03.08.08
Chico Hamilton
Chico Hamilton was born in 1921 and has an impressive reputation as a jazz drummer. Wikipedia notes his innovations:
Chico’s impact upon jazz includes the introduction of two unique and distinct sounds: first in 1955 with his Original Quintet which combined the sounds of his drums, the bass of Carson Smith, the guitar of Jim Hall, the cello of Fred Katz, and the flute of Buddy Collette; and the second in 1962 with his own drums, the bass of Albert Stinson, the guitar of Gabor Szabo, the tenor sax of Charles Lloyd, and the trombone of George Bohanon.
Here is the first quintet performing at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1958:
“My Funny Valentine,” recorded in 1955:
And for you drum fans, a drum solo showdown with Chico Hamilton, Gene Krupa, and Lionel Hampton:
Lots more on YouTube: search “Chico Hamilton”
