Chico Hamilton Trio

1) Overview
The Chico Hamilton Trio is a 1956 studio album issued by Pacific Jazz that compiles Chico Hamilton’s early Pacific Jazz sessions from 1953–1954 plus four tracks recorded in 1956. It features George Duvivier on bass and two different guitarists (Howard Roberts and Jim Hall) across sessions, marking an important early West Coast jazz milestone in Hamilton’s discography. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Hamilton_Trio))

2) Recording History
- Recording locations and dates: Sound Stage Studio, Hollywood, December 6, 1953 (tracks 2,5,7) and October 2, 1954 (tracks 3,9,10); Music Box Theatre, Hollywood, February 8, 1956 (tracks 1,4,6,8). ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Hamilton_Trio))
- Producers/engineers: Sessions were supervised by Richard Bock (producer) for the label; exact engineering credits are not consistently listed in standard discographies. ([freshsoundrecords.com](https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/chico-hamilton-albums/4903-the-chico-hamilton-trio.html))
- Personnel by track: Guitarist Jim Hall plays on tracks 1,4,6,8; Howard Roberts plays on tracks 2,3,5,7,9,10; bassist George Duvivier; Chico Hamilton on drums. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Hamilton_Trio))
- Release structure: The album assembles Hamilton’s initial Pacific Jazz recordings from 1953–1954 (originally issued as six tracks on a 10" LP) with four additional 1956 recordings, later presented on the 12" LP PJ-1220. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Hamilton_Trio))
- Length: Approximately 40 minutes (40:31 listed on AllMusic). ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/chico-hamilton-trio-mw0000875212))

3) Chart Performance & Recognition
- Charting and certifications: No major chart positions or certifications are documented for this album in standard discographies.
- Critical reception: AllMusic characterizes the collection as an “entry point recording” for Chico Hamilton, praising its early clarity and musical intelligence. ([allmusic.com](https://www.allmusic.com/album/chico-hamilton-trio-mw0000875212))

4) Cultural Impact & Legacy
- Influence and regard: Fresh Sound Records describes these sessions as among the West Coast’s most resourceful 1950s trio sessions, illustrating Hamilton’s distinctive, precise interplay with bass and guitar. ([freshsoundrecords.com](https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/chico-hamilton-albums/4903-the-chico-hamilton-trio.html))
- Notable aspects: The pairing of two guitarists (Roberts and Hall) across sessions foreshadows Hamilton’s evolving small-group sound and collaboration style. The album remains a foundational entry point for listeners exploring Hamilton’s pre-Impulse/late-Pac Jazz era. ([freshsoundrecords.com](https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/chico-hamilton-albums/4903-the-chico-hamilton-trio.html))

Note: The tracks, recording dates, and personnel are consistently documented across primary discography sources and the album’s contemporary reissues. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chico_Hamilton_Trio))