Drummer
Chico Hamilton
introduced many top young players during his years as a bandleader, but few probably realize that
Larry Coryell
made his recording debut with
Chico
a year before joining
Gary Burton's
quartet.
The Dealer
marks
Coryell
's initial appearance on record, and at times he sounded oddly like
Chuck Berry
(especially on
"The Dealer"
). Also heard on this set are altoist
Arnie Lawrence
, bassist
Richard Davis
, organist
Ernie Hayes
(on two numbers), and, on his spirited boogaloo
"For Mods Only,"
Archie Shepp
making a rare appearance on piano. Most of the performances still sound surprisingly fresh, especially the explorative
"A Trip,"
making this an underrated but worthy release. ~ Scott Yanow