Chico Hamilton Man From Two Worlds CD

Live Recording

Personnel: Chico Hamilton (drums); Charles Lloyd (tenor saxophone, flute); George Bohanon (trombone); Gabor Szabo (guitar); Albert Stinson (bass).
Producer: Bob Thiele.
Reissue producer: Michael Cuscuna.
Recorded on September 18, 1962 and December 11, 1963.
Digitally remastered by Paul Elmore (MCA Music Media Studios).
Although it tended to get overlooked at the time, one of drummer Chico Hamilton's finest groups was his 1962-1963 quartet/quintet. With Charles Lloyd at his most fiery on tenor and flute, and the colorful solos of the up-and-coming Hungarian guitarist Gabor Szabo, this band placed a stronger emphasis on melody and softer sounds than the more avant-garde groups of the time but still pushed away at musical boundaries. Trombonist George Bohanon is also on the final four numbers of this CD reissue, which brings back all of the music from Hamilton's Man from Two Worlds LP and four of the six numbers originally on Passin' Thru. Highlights include the original version of Lloyd's most famous song, "Forest Flower." ~ Scott Yanow
This album actually combines two Chico Hamilton releases, namely MAN FROM TWO WORLDS and PASSIN' THRU. There is great compositional range on this disc, even though nine out the 10 tunes were written by a single author (saxophonist Charles Lloyd). Some of these compositions spin off on an avant-garde tangent, while others are more direct and harmonically familiar.
The title track is basically an extended jam, though there is a Monk-like main theme that is used to begin and end the tune. Clearly, this piece is influenced by Indian music, and guitarist Gabor Szabo best illustrates the exotic, modal leanings of this composition through his sitar-influenced solo. On the other hand, "Forest Flower" is much more harmonious and easy to follow. Using standard jazz chords and a catchy melody, this tune is much less demanding on the ear. As the title implies, MAN FROM TWO WORLDS really does focus on two distinct "worlds" of jazz, and is the perfect listen for all those who crave musical diversity.

Down Beat (7/93, p.35) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...really a Charles Lloyd album--featuring the then-rising Lloyd as both the group's primary composer and soloing voice...an exotic jazz hybrid..."