Chico Hamilton - 1962 [1990] "Transfusion"

The first four CDs released by Studio West, a subsidiary of V.S.O.P., are all taken from concise (around three minutes apiece) performances that were made to be used as part of the radio show "The Navy Swings." This particular release features performances by one of drummer Chico Hamilton's most stimulating groups, a quintet comprised of Charles Lloyd (on tenor, flute and alto), guitarist Gabor Szabo, trombonist George Bohanon, bassist Albert Stinson and the drummer/leader. Because the individual selections are briefer than usual, in many cases only one soloist is featured on each cut. But overall, there is plenty of solo space for Lloyd (very much playing in a Coltrane vein), Bohanon and Szabo. The mixture of seven standards with nine Lloyd originals works quite well with plenty of variety in moods and tempoes. An excellent all-around showcase for this much underrated but very timeless unit.

Track Listing:

01. Transfusion 02:10
02. My Shining Hour 01:54
03. The Second Time Around 03:08
04. Come Rain or Come Shine 02:16
05. Witchcraft 02:56
06. Homeward 03:46
07. A Rose for Booker 03:21
08. Vulture 02:37
09. It Never Entered My Mind 02:50
10. Sun Yen Sen 02:24
11. Speak Low 02:30
12. One for Joan 03:33
13. C.L. Blues 02:31
14. Stella by Starlight 01:36
15. Tales 03:00
16. Transfusion 03:35

Personnel:

Drums – Chico Hamilton
Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone – Charles Lloyd (tracks: 1 to 6, 8 to 13, 15, 16)
Bass – Albert Stinson
Guitar – Gabor Szabo
Trombone – George Bohannon*