Jazz Legend Chico Hamilton Continues Blazing a Trail with the Release of Two New EPs
New York City - NEA Jazz Master Foreststorn “Chico" Hamilton explores colorful facets of contemporary sound while maintaining his signature drumming style in two new varying EPs- It's About Time! and The Alternate Dimensions of El Chico. Slated to be released April 29th on the JoyousShout! label, both recordings feature original, remixed, and rediscovered works while providing different and singular perspectives of Chico's 86-year old musical journey.
Paying homage to Chico's past, It's About Time! revisits his first ever recording project as band leader/percussionist. In 1955, Chico recorded a trio album for Pacific Jazz with George Duvivier and Howard Roberts; fast-forward 53 years, and Chico has recasted it with his long time collaborators Cary DeNigris on guitar and Paul Ramsey on bass. According to Chico, both recordings emphasize the rhythm section as the lead instruments. “The bass and guitar serve as my right hand and left hand. I wanted the emphasis of the music to be on keeping time and swinging time...essentially, It's About Time!" The revised album features “Nuttye", a track by Chico's dear friend Jimmy Cheatham from the original 1955 session. “Cheatham passed away recently and we dedicate our version to him."
Chico's distinctive bossa groove has been rediscovered and refused in The Alternative Dimensions of El Chico, a collection of dance/remix tracks and collaborative works with some of today's hottest turntablists including Fertile Ground, SoulFeast (Joe Claussell and Brian Michel Bacchus), Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Blaze. Chico's stature amongst tastemakers throughout the DJ community is longstanding and profound. Over the years, Chico has had a series of dance floor successes from his signature song “Conquistadors" to the Brazilian influenced “Strut". “I'm told that people still dance to my music in nightclubs, says Chico. “There's no greater compliment than that!"
About Chico Hamilton
Known for representing jazz in its purest form, octogenarian Chico Hamilton shows virtually no signs of fatigue. According to All About Jazz, Chico's “decades of experience keeps this skillful musician young-at-heart, dedicated and resultantly one of the true 'conquistadores'." Saluted by the Kennedy Center as a “Living Jazz Legend", and recently appointed to the National Council on the Arts, Chico Hamilton is considered one of the most important living jazz artists and composers. Chico continues to capture audiences nationwide. He is currently on a national BORDERS Bookstore tour with his band Euphoria in support of his recent compilation album Hamiltonia. While continuing to teach at the New School University Jazz Program where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree, Chico is busy writing his autobiography, composing and performing music for film, and working on additional album releases for 2008-2009.
New York City - NEA Jazz Master Foreststorn “Chico" Hamilton explores colorful facets of contemporary sound while maintaining his signature drumming style in two new varying EPs- It's About Time! and The Alternate Dimensions of El Chico. Slated to be released April 29th on the JoyousShout! label, both recordings feature original, remixed, and rediscovered works while providing different and singular perspectives of Chico's 86-year old musical journey.
Paying homage to Chico's past, It's About Time! revisits his first ever recording project as band leader/percussionist. In 1955, Chico recorded a trio album for Pacific Jazz with George Duvivier and Howard Roberts; fast-forward 53 years, and Chico has recasted it with his long time collaborators Cary DeNigris on guitar and Paul Ramsey on bass. According to Chico, both recordings emphasize the rhythm section as the lead instruments. “The bass and guitar serve as my right hand and left hand. I wanted the emphasis of the music to be on keeping time and swinging time...essentially, It's About Time!" The revised album features “Nuttye", a track by Chico's dear friend Jimmy Cheatham from the original 1955 session. “Cheatham passed away recently and we dedicate our version to him."
Chico's distinctive bossa groove has been rediscovered and refused in The Alternative Dimensions of El Chico, a collection of dance/remix tracks and collaborative works with some of today's hottest turntablists including Fertile Ground, SoulFeast (Joe Claussell and Brian Michel Bacchus), Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Blaze. Chico's stature amongst tastemakers throughout the DJ community is longstanding and profound. Over the years, Chico has had a series of dance floor successes from his signature song “Conquistadors" to the Brazilian influenced “Strut". “I'm told that people still dance to my music in nightclubs, says Chico. “There's no greater compliment than that!"
About Chico Hamilton
Known for representing jazz in its purest form, octogenarian Chico Hamilton shows virtually no signs of fatigue. According to All About Jazz, Chico's “decades of experience keeps this skillful musician young-at-heart, dedicated and resultantly one of the true 'conquistadores'." Saluted by the Kennedy Center as a “Living Jazz Legend", and recently appointed to the National Council on the Arts, Chico Hamilton is considered one of the most important living jazz artists and composers. Chico continues to capture audiences nationwide. He is currently on a national BORDERS Bookstore tour with his band Euphoria in support of his recent compilation album Hamiltonia. While continuing to teach at the New School University Jazz Program where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree, Chico is busy writing his autobiography, composing and performing music for film, and working on additional album releases for 2008-2009.
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