Drum Master and Bandleander: Chico Hamilton and His "New" Quintet: "Passin' Thru"

Drummer Chico Hamilton led a very successful Quintet through the late 50s that was one of the most popular groups in Jazz. The music he played was fun but very stylized and tightly arranged and it allowed some freedoms but with restrictions. Chico grew restless and was growing tired of this style of Jazz despite it's commercial success. Hamilton was hearing and being exposed to some different sounds and he decided to break up the "old" Quintet and in time formed his "New" Quintet. More freedom, more energy and more contemporary sounds were on the "New" Hamilton Quintet menu. All the players were relative unknowns beginning with Memphis- born tenor saxophonist and flutist, Charles Lloyd. Hungarian-born guitarist Gabor Szabo was the other important voice in this group along with buttery sounding trombonist George Bohanon, who replaced the cello in the "old" Quintet. Young virtuoso bassist Albert Stinson was the final cog in the wheel. They made a variety of albums for different labels but tonight's Feature is their pinnacle date. It was recorded for Impulse records and called "Passin' Thru" and 4 of the 6 compositions are by Charles Lloyd who proves here to be also a fine composer. One good standard is included and one exotic composition by guitarist Gabor Szabo might be the prize tune on the album. Despite the fact that this date was recorded in September 1962 it is as modern as next week. Enjoy "Passin' Thru" tonight!