El Chico Chico Hamilton

In 1965, Japanese altoist Sadao Watanabe was Chico Hamilton’s regular reed player, and it is for his playing (fairly early in his career) that this LP is most notable. Also heard from is guitarist Gabor Szabo (winding up a long period with Hamilton), bassist Al Stinson, guest trombonist Jimmy Cheatham (on three of the eight songs), and the Latin percussion of Willie Bobo and Victor Pantoja.

The band plays a couple of movie themes (including “People”), three Hamilton originals, a group improvisation, and two obscurities. The influences of Latin jazz, bossa nova, and the avant-garde are mixed into the unusual musical blend.

Scott Yanow, AllMusic