Dropping TODAY from Joyous Shout!, "Hamiltonia" samples Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton's original compositions from four albums released in 2006 in celebration of his 85th B-day. Guiding
his "Euphoria" sextet on a journey drawn from a different harmonic
palette, penning melodies for them to sing with long memorable lines, all set over Hamilton's signature rhythms, "Hamiltonia" shows the
octogenarian Hamilton to STILL be the studious teacher.
"Hamiltonia" is an impassioned statement of purpose- an emphatic endorsement of writing and performing THIS music in the NOW, the way the GREATS did in their time. Recognized as a "NEA Jazz Master", saluted by the Kennedy Center as a "Living Jazz Legend", and recently appointed to the National Council on the Arts, "Hamiltonia" confirms Hamilton's status as one of the most important living jazz artists and composers.
"An astonishing burst of creativity." richard s. ginell/all music guide
"Foreststorn 'Chico' Hamilton is a true jazz legend- his music
represents jazz in its purest form. It is invention, originality and
change. He is unafraid to let the music flow forth in whatever
creative form it chooses while staying true to his identity as a
musician. Hamilton's steady, forceful, yet beautifully restrained
drumming leads his group track by track. The result is everything you expect jazz to be. At a young 85 years old, Hamilton is the true epitome of agelessness, and his music knows no generational bounds". sheeba rashada/groundliftmag.com
Also OUT NOW is the limited edition 12" vinyl from SoulFeast (Brian Michel Bacchus & Joaquin "Joe" Claussell) with their reworking of "Mysterious Maiden" from Chico's 1980 "Nomad" release. Available thru www.dopejams.net (sales@dopejams.net).
Performances
Catch Chico and his Euphoria group on September 19th @ the One World Theater in Austin, TX.
Review
Read the October 1, 2007 review of Hamiltonia In All About Jazz!
