Chico Hamilton: Twelve Tones of Love

I was once waist deep into Jazz music. I loved it. Not to say that I don’t love it now, but it’s just extremely hard to follow (even more so than hip hop). With that said, a trademark in the jazz genre was always Chico Hamilton, who has presented us with a countless discography and numerous jazz classics. At 87 years of age, Chico is about as energetic as a pre-teen and about as ambitious as a 22 year old just out of college. On his latest release, Twelve Tones of Love, he is the master behind the drums and the conductor of a marvelously orchestrated multi-piece band with a goal to entrench listeners in the sorrow, happiness, relaxation, and mood settlement of lovely jazz music.

It’s hard to give this my typical review treatment, but it’s not hard to recommend this album for a listen. “Nonchalant” and “Lazy Afternoon” are precursors into what Twelve Tones can do to a listener, which is lead them on a musical adventure into the past, present, and future. On the latter, some beautiful vocals are displayed by Jose James who adds a slightly melancholic, dark feel to the always popular adage.

The up-tempo feel of “Raoul” feels like something out of Shaft and “Lonely Woman” is the ideal soundtrack for any character fulfilling the title. Expect this consistency throughout the album: mood fulfilling instrumentation that captures the essence of the moment more than any words could.

Chico is a legend to those that know the genre. To those that don’t know of him; get familiar. Twelve Tones of Love may be one of most relaxing, most encompassing, and most satisfying musical endeavors one can take in 2009. At times, it’s like we’ve hopped into the DeLorean with Marty and Doc Brown, getting the best of both worlds of the old and the new. It’s a beautiful thing.

“Lazy Afternoon”

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“Lonely Woman”

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