Foreststorn “Chico” Hamilton, a legendary jazz drummer who has played with many greats, will perform at the Borders at The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale on Saturday, April 18.
Hamilton, 87, started playing when he was around 10 or 11. From that point on, he knew that he wanted to make a career out of being a jazz musician.
“When I was very young, that [jazz] was the only kind of music I heard,” Hamilton said of growing up during the big band era. “We didn’t have rock or pop or stuff like that. That’s why I got into it.”
Originally from Hollywood, Hamilton moved to New York in 1966 when he got a job composing music for commercials, and he still resides in New York City.
During his career as a jazz drummer, bandleader, and composer, Hamilton has had a chance to perform with many jazz greats. Among them are Lionel Hampton, Slim & Slam, T-Bone Walker, Lester Young, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Barnett, Billy Eckstine, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Billie Holiday, Gerry Mulligan and Lena Horne.
As Hamilton’s successful career continued, he began as a band leader in 1955.
Hamilton, who has received several honors during his career, has also composed film scores, original songs and commercial jingles. He has been a part of more than 50 album recordings and has toured nationally and internationally.
“My style hasn’t changed. My style has always been my own,” Hamilton said. “When you hear Chico Hamilton, you know it’s Chico Hamilton.”
Hamilton also said that he considers his drums to be very melodic instruments, which is a different attitude than that of many other drummers and percussionists.
Although Hamilton has not done many performances in Queens, he will have a free concert and album signing at the Borders in Glendale at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. It will be for his soon-to-be released CD “Twelve Tones of Love.” The album will be released on April 14.
“I’m being blessed,” Hamilton said, adding that he loves being able to entertain people. “I’m still able to play; I’m still here.”
During his upcoming performance, Hamilton will be joined by his sextet, Euphoria. Some of the members are former students of his.
Hamilton, who was awarded a National Endowments for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master Fellowship in 2004, teaches at the New School University in its jazz program, which he said he started about 20 years ago. He said that the most rewarding part of his work as an educator is seeing his students become professional people and musicians.
For the future of his jazz career, Hamilton said that he just wants to be able to continue to play music and compose.
The Shops at Atlas Park is located at 8000 Cooper Avenue in Glendale. To contact the Borders in the shopping center, call 718-416-1003.
For more information on Hamilton, visit https://www.myspace.com/chicohamilton or www.joyousshout.com.
