Chico Hamilton Is Still The Man For Every Generation

Continuing to produce music that is both timeless and exciting, it is hard to imagine that Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton will turn 85 years old this week (September 21st).

First playing drums while in high school with the likes of Dexter Gordon, Illinois Jacquet, and Charles Mingus, Chico Hamilton's resume includes scores for film, original compositions, commercial jingles, 50 + albums as a leader, and countless international tours. Introducing two unique and distinct sounds during his career, first in 1955 with his “Original Quintet” which combined the sounds of his drums, the bass of Carson Smith, the guitar of Jim Hall, the cello of Fred Katz, and the flute of Buddy Collette; and the second in 1962 with his own drums, the bass of Albert Stinson, the guitar of Gabor Szabo, and the tenor sax of Charles Lloyd, Chico Hamilton has managed to remain relevant for over 50 years, a feat that few artists have been able to accomplish.

But, despite the numerous accomplishments he has achieved, Chico Hamilton refuses to rest on his laurels, releasing four new albums this year, including the last of the four, 'Heritage,' set to be released this week. In celebration of this release as well as Chico Hamilton’s 85th Birthday, we are giving away a copy of his latest release here as well as a pair of tickets to see Chico Hamilton perform a special show on his birthday this week at Joe’s Pub in New York.