In 1965, Japanese altoist
Sadao Watanabe was
Chico Hamilton's regular reed player, and it is for his playing (fairly early in his career) that this LP is most notable. Also heard from is guitarist
Gabor Szabo (winding up a long period with
Hamilton), bassist Al Stinson, guest trombonist Jimmy Cheatham (on three of the eight songs), and the Latin percussion of
Willie Bobo and Victor Pantoja. The band plays a couple of movie themes (including "People"), three
Hamilton originals, a group improvisation, and two obscurities. The influences of Latin jazz, bossa nova, and the avant-garde are mixed into the unusual musical blend. ~ Scott Yanow