Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Chico Hamilton: Juniflip

219

Chico Hamilton: Juniflip

By

Sign in to view read count
Chico Hamilton: Juniflip
What is it with jazz drummers? They seem to go on forever like the Energizer bunny. Chico Hamilton celebrates his 85th birthday this year with four new releases, of which Juniflip is a swinger with guests George Bohanon (trombone), Jimmy Cheatham (bass trombone), and vocalists Bill Henderson and Arthur Lee (frontman for the band LOVE) augmenting Hamilton's working group, known as Euphoria: Cary Denigris (guitar), Paul Ramsey (Fender bass) and Evan Schwam (flute, tenor and soprano sax).

The recording presents an eclectic selection of material and styles. There's blues, R&B, the '60s hit "Yeh Yeh (dedicated to Carlos Santana and featuring a searing solo by Denigris), and classics such as "Ain't She Sweet, Benny Goodman's "Don't Be That Way (done wonderfully as a ballad with a Henderson vocal), and "What's Your Story, Morning Glory? (a Jimmy Lunceford Orchestra staple on which Arthur Lee shines). There are bossa novas, ballads and rockers, including originals by Hamilton and Denigris.

A tight ensemble sound graces every track. Hamilton has managed to put together musicians who, according to him, are "just here making music. Everyone is in a groove and having a good time and it translates to the listener. And behind it all is Hamilton—tasty and ever-young. Maybe it's because the drum is closest to the heartbeat.

Track Listing

Mr. Hamilton; A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That; Ain't She Sweet; Yeh Yeh; How's Your Feelings; You Name It; Don't Be That Way; Cary's Footsteps; (If You Think You're) Groovy; What's Your Story, Morning Glory?; Without Love (Nothing Matters); Just Play The Melody; Kerry's Caravan.

Personnel

Chico Hamilton: drums; Cary Denigris: guitar; Paul Ramsey: Fender bass; Eric Schwam: flute, tenor & soprano sax; Karolina Strassmayer: flute, alto & soprano sax (1-4,6,7,9,10,12); Andrew Hadro: flute, clarinet, alto & baritone sax (5,8,11); Jeremy Carlstadt: percussion (5,8,11); George Bohanon: trombone (1,2,4,6,10,11); Jimmy Cheatham: bass trombone (1,2,4,6,10); Bill Henderson: vocals (3,7); Arthur Lee: vocals (10).

Album information

Title: Juniflip | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Joyous Shout!

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
View events near New York City
Jazz Near New York City
Events Guide | Venue Guide | Local Businesses | More...

More

Sensual
Rachel Z
Over and Over
Tony Monaco Trio
Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris

Popular

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.