Personnel:
Chico Hamilton (d), Buddy Collette (fl, cl, as, ts), Fred Katz (cello), Jim Hall (g), Carson Smith (d)
Reference: FSRCD 2245
Bar code: 8427328622455
These 1955 performances by the original Chico Hamilton Quintet were recorded live during their first and successful engagement at Harry Rubins Strollers, a nightclub in Long Beach, California. Listening to them, we can appreciate the high spirit of the group in its formative period, exploring and developing new sounds through the free interplay of its five talented members. The quintet soon acquired a local following, which grew rapidly when radio station KFOX through Sleepy Steins popular jazz program began a series of live broadcasts from the club. The gig at The Strollers was due to last for two weeks, but stretched into eight months, giving the Quintet a residency which allowed them to settle in and grow.
