The Original Ellington Suite
Chico Hamilton · 2000
42 min · 9 tracks · jazz
A vibrant homage that intertwines free jazz improvisation with the timeless melodies of Duke Ellington's classic compositions.
Top tracks — play these first
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In a Mellotone — This track opens the album with a captivating rhythm and showcases Hamilton's deft drumming alongside lush arrangements, setting the tone for the tribute.
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I'm Just a Lucky So and So — Hamilton infuses this classic with a modern twist, highlighting his ability to blend traditional melody with innovative rhythms that breathe new life into the composition.
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It Don't Mean a Thing — The arrangement here captures the essence of Ellington's original while allowing Hamilton's ensemble to explore improvisational freedom, exemplifying the album's overall spirit.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album effectively reinterprets classic jazz standards, balancing structure with improvisation.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo piece and gradually introduces more complex rhythms and textures as it progresses.
- Several tracks feature extended solos that showcase the individual musicians' skills while maintaining cohesion with the ensemble sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic journey throughout
- for afternoon relaxation
- intricate rhythms for attentive listening
- rich textures with improvisational flair
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, fast tracks
- seek instant gratification hits
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2000, Chico Hamilton was a seasoned musician, having established himself since the 1950s. The Original Ellington Suite marked his return to recording after a brief hiatus, showcasing his ability to reinterpret jazz standards through a contemporary lens. This album continued his legacy as an innovator in blending traditional jazz with avant-garde elements.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Don Cherry· Andrew Hill· Ornette Coleman
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 In a Mellotone 4:18
- 2 In a Sentimental Mood 5:40
- 3 I'm Just a Lucky So and So 5:09
- 4 Just A-Sittin' and A-Rockin' 5:25
- 5 Everything but You 5:16
- 6 Day Dream 3:42
- 7 I'm Beginning to See the Light 5:07
- 8 Azure 3:13
- 9 It Don't Mean a Thing 4:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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