Chico Hamilton Special

The fourth version of the Chico Hamilton Quintet only recorded two albums (including one of movie melodies) and was the least known of his early groups. However, this generally excellent album is significant for introducing Charles Lloyd (who here plays flute and alto instead of tenor). The other three musicians (cellist Nate Gershman, pianist Harry Pope and bassist Bobby Haynes) would all remain quite obscure, and this would be the last album in Hamilton's famous string of cello groups before the drummer changed directions. Interesting if not essential music, last available on a mid-1980s Columbia LP. ~ Scott Yanow