Search - Lionel Hampton :: Mostly Ballads

Not An Essential.....But

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 06/30/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoy listening to a master.....even at the age of 82 on this recording. Lionel Hampton was a master....and the FIRST jazz vibraphonist! He was unique in that he was musically open minded without changing his basic swing style, as the contents of this cd illustrate. He was certainly a household name having established himself as part of Benny Goodman's quartet in the late thirties.I counted seven ballads on this recording which truthfully makes it "Mostly Ballads" but since I was expecting more, I gave it a four. It's a very listenable cd, and for me, fascinating the many paths of improvisation that Hamp could find on a ballad. The other selections are two mid-tempo and four up-tempo selections featuring a synthesizer and trumpet backing....actually the trumpet is played by Lew Soloff, a well known high note specialist. Two of these are long cuts with the catchy "Pinch Me" being more than eleven minutes. Anyone who likes vibes, and in particular Lionel Hampton, will enjoy this. Hamp always seems to make it enjoyable listening, be it a ballad or a more adventurous up-tempo selection. Lookiing at the prices on the used cds being offered, this is a real bargain that will provide some variety to most collections."