The second album recorded by Chico Hamilton for Columbia and released in 1961, The Chico Hamilton Special also marks the final album recorded by his cello group before he switched musical direction. The cellist in this particular instance is Nate Gershman, more than ably assisted by pianist Harry Pope, bassist Bobby Haynes, multi-instrumentalist Charles Lloyd and Chico himself on drums. The overall musical effect has been described as chamber jazz, but there are other elements involved here, including swing, all going to produce an excellent outing that remains one of the key albums in Chico’s catalogue.

1. Don't Get Lost
2. Autumn Leaves
3. New Rhumba
4. Way Down
5. Afternoon Of A Breeze
6. Lady Bird
7. Trio