"EUPHORIA is one of the city's most buoyant combos".
Come out and JOIN US for EUPHORIA Presents “Celebrating the Life & Music of Foreststorn ‘Chico’ Hamilton", featuring Chico's long standing EUPHORIA ensemble with Paul Ramsey, Evan Schwam, Jeremy Carlstedt, Mayu Saeki & Nick Demopolous on Sunday November 17th @ 7:15 PM @ DROM, 85 Ave A (b/w 5th & 6th Streets) in the East Village, NYC, NY 10009, Tel 212.777.1157 www.dromNYC.com. Cover $12 advance, $15 day of show.
Now 92-years-old, NEA Jazz Master FORESTSTORN ‘CHICO’ HAMILTON is still creating vivid, positive, uplifting, engaging & relevant music.
Between March and September 2013 Chico was composing, arranging & breaking in new original material during weekly rehearsals w/ his long-time EUPHORIA ensemble w/ Nick Demopolous (guitar), Paul Ramsey (bass), Evan Schwam (flute + reeds), & Mayu Saeki (flute) & Jeremy Carlstedt (drums + percussion).
In October 2013 Chico went back in the studio with his EUPHORIA ensemble & special featured guests trombonist George Bohanon and fellow NEA Jazz Master trumpeter Jimmy Owens, recording 19 tracks to be released as "The Inquiring Mind" on Joyous Shout! in early-2014!!
From the "The Inquiring Mind" liner notes by Maxwell Chandler:
"Painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) from his home "Les Collettes" on the Mediterranean Cost of Cagnes-Sur-Mer in the Autumn of his career once said:
‘I think I am beginning to learn something about it (painting).’
This was no wry comment. After a lifetime spent in service to the muse, his work achieved a special strength; experience allowing all that is superfluous to fall aside leaving only an artistic wisdom and truth. Chico now finds himself in a similar position, having followed his own North Star in singular fashion for over half a century. Chico's work philosophy has facilitated the continuation of an artistic voyage whose progress has yet to slow down. Despite his pedigree, one finds themselves with every recent release never faced with a mere victory lap but further steps along the journey.
This album presents a catalyst for aurally induced reverie. A thousand thought, each a color which further paints a picture that is always compelling; emphasizing different aspects of itself with each listen. In the ultimate act of entrainment, our heartbeats echo the distant throb of the big bang. Now the universe sets its toes to tapping to the sound of the cymbals. Everyone is happy for the same reasons but each in their own way. Chico continues to keep time in rhythm and emotion."
