Complete Studio Recordings
The original Chico Hamilton Quintet was one of the last significant West Coast jazz bands of the cool era. Consisting of Buddy Collette on reeds (flute, clarinet, alto, and tenor), guitarist Jim Hall, bassist Carson Smith, and the drummer/leader, the most distinctive element in the group's identity was cellist Fred Katz. The band could play quite softly, blending together elements of bop and classical music into their popular sound and occupying their own niche. Most of these performances were formerly quite rare and never reissued before. Highly recommended to jazz historians and to listeners who enjoy classic cool jazz. Packaged in a Digipak. Lone Hill Jazz. 2006.