Chico Hamilton – ‘Juniflip' (Joyous Shout)

"Jazz as it should be" is how this reviewer labels the latest from Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton, 85 year old jazz icon. Saucy, swinging, bouncy, innovative, retro, modern, traditional, unconventional, and every adjective I have left out seeps flows into each of the 13 tracks on this the first of four release coming to celebrate his mid-octogenarian status. Chico was awarded the NEA Jazz Master Fellowship in 2004, and 'Juniflip' illustrates why Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton is a Jazz Master and still THE Man 50 years after his career began

Accompanying Hamilton is his band Euphoria, comprised stalwarts Cary DeNigris on guitar, Paul Ramsey on bass, along with Evan Schwam on flute, tenor & soprano saxes, Karolina Strassmayer on flute, alto & soprano saxes, Andrew Hadro on flute, alto & baritone saxes, and Jeremy Carlstedt on percussion. Also playing on selected cuts are former Hamilton band trombonist George Bohanon, Jimmy Cheatham, and Bill Henderson who provides vocals for two tracks.

The CD slinks in with “Mr. Hamilton” the opening track, transporting you to the smoky club, halcyon days of jazz. It is a jazz lover’s dream track. Updating his sound a touch, he reinterprets “Ain’t She Sweet”, flipping it into jazz-funk, hip-hop driven, scatted gem. Slowing it down, the tracks “Without Love (Nothing even Matters” and “How’s Your Feelings?” show the deftness of his band Euphoria and of Chico’s leadership. Both Latin tinged tracks make you feel sexy and sultry … a very inviting atmosphere you become one with when this is in your iPod.

Five decades in and progressive strides are still taken with every release. Genius at its pinnacle, Jazz as it should be.