Hamilton was central to West Coast jazz, having been a member of the Gerry Mulligan group, and later founding a notable quintet of his own with flutist Buddy Collette, guitarist Jim Hall, cellist Fred Katz and bassist Carson Smith.
The drummer recorded this LP, his first as a leader, between appearing with those two ensembles. Like them, the trio had no piano, relying on Hamilton's interplay with guitarist Howard Roberts and bassist George Duvivier. The results are enduringly fresh.
This album is actually an expanded version of an EP that Pacific Jazz had recorded with the group in December 1953. Its success led to an additional session on October 1954 and this 10-inch LP the following year.
As always, the post is a transfer from my own copy of the original album. The sound is good.
