With Strings Attached

"With Strings Attached" is a captivating album by the legendary Chico Hamilton, originally recorded in 1958 and reissued in 2015 under the Hallmark label. This album is a testament to Hamilton's innovative approach to jazz, blending cool jazz, jazz funk, and hard bop into a cohesive and engaging sound. The album features some of the earliest recordings of the iconic Eric Dolphy, who contributes his distinctive playing on alto saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute. The Chico Hamilton Quintet, with its unique instrumentation including guitar, cello, and flute, creates a rich and textured sound that sets it apart from other jazz ensembles of the time.

The album opens with the upbeat "Something to Live For," setting the tone for the rest of the record. Tracks like "Andante" and "Speak Low" showcase the quintet's ability to blend intricate melodies with a relaxed, cool jazz aesthetic. "Pottsvillle, USA" and "Don's Delight" highlight the band's hard bop influences, while "Strange" and "Modes" delve into more experimental territories. The album closes with the beautiful ballad "Ev'rything I've Got," a poignant and introspective piece that underscores the depth of the quintet's musicality.

"With Strings Attached" is a must-listen for any jazz enthusiast, offering a glimpse into the creative genius of Chico Hamilton and his groundbreaking quintet. The album's reissue in 2015 ensures that this timeless music continues to inspire and delight new generations of listeners.

Chico Hamilton, born Foreststorn Hamilton, was a pioneering American jazz drummer and bandleader whose career spanned over five decades. Emerging from the vibrant Los Angeles jazz scene alongside contemporaries like Charles Mingus and Dexter Gordon, Hamilton first gained recognition as a sideman for jazz legends such as Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and Lena Horne. His innovative approach to jazz led him to form his own quintet in the 1950s, uniquely featuring the cello as a lead instrument, a bold choice that set him apart in the jazz world. Throughout his career, Hamilton's bands explored a range of styles, from cool jazz and post-bop to jazz fusion, always pushing the boundaries of the genre. Beyond his musical contributions, Hamilton also ventured into music production, establishing a company in New York City that created music for various media platforms. His extensive discography and influential performances continue to inspire jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike.