Drummer, composer and bandleader Chico Hamilton — born in Los Angeles in 1921 — has been releasing excellent albums for well over half a century; 2009’s Twelve Tones of Love is another standout in his impressive discography. The opener, “A Piece of Music,” is a lush, moody composition with slow-moving horns, deft cymbal work, and subtle guitar by Cary DeNigris. “Happiness Prevails,” written by saxophonist Evan Schwam, picks up the pace. The track features an energetic arrangement for saxophone and flute, and Hamilton’s drum work nicely demarcates the various sections. An unusual duet version of the standard “Lazy Afternoon” finds rumbling tom-toms accompanying the vocals of Jose James, while “George” features Hamilton cohort, trombonist George Bohannon, shaping brass tones that can be mellow or assertively husky. Twelve Tones closes with “The Alto of Kelso,” a title that refers to Hamilton’s pal, the saxophonist Jack Kelso, whose fine playing is backed by guitar during the track’s first half and later by Hamilton's always interesting drumming.