Smoothjazz.com Review
Sandy Shore | Monterey, CA | 04/18/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Lionel Hampton lived a very full life, all the way to 94. The legendary jazz great died in 2002. Now you have an opportunity to hear him as never before in a contemporary pop/jazz setting, along with the smooth vocal stylings of Sylvia Bennett. Thirteen songs in all (including nine covers and four new songs) and a documentary style DVD with never before seen video of the King of the Vibraphone. Lionel Hampton "discovered" Sylvia Bennett at an audition in Miami in the early 1980's. Let's just say it panned out, when Lionel hired her on the spot to perform with his band. The two worked together on two albums. The first, SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY, which was picked up by Atlantic Records and received a Grammy nomination in 1987. The second, THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER YOU, which is now presented by Ms. Bennett as a tribute. Recorded in a home studio environment, the relaxed conditions make for an innovative and energetic exploration of swing, pop, jazz and Latin/Caribbean musical styles. Sylvia's silky voice is joyful to listen to on her original works and on the music of others like Rodgers & Hammerstein. Stand out tracks include the title track, Bennett's own, "Sweet Man of Mine," the cleverly arranged, "Bill Bailey," and the killer dance remix of "You Make My Heart Sing" featuring Sylvia and snippets of Lionel talking and playing vibes. These audio and video recordings remained private treasures until now... They have been completed and released by Sylvia Bennett as a tribute to her mentor and cherished friend. ~SANDY SHORE"
There Will Never Be Another You --Lionel Hampton
Eileen Rosner Shorr | Boca Raton, FL | 05/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the Lionel Hampton album There Will Never Be Another You and was pleasantly surprised with the background DVD portion about how this album was made with actual scenes in Lionel's home. The professional relationship with Sylvia Bennett and their accomplishments together was an added bonus. I was truly impressed with the voice of Sylvia Bennett. I highly recommend this album and give it a 5 star rating. It was worth the added cost over other albums I have purchased. Buy it and enjoy it!"
Brilliant!!!
Nicole Levko | Baltimore, MD | 04/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recently purchased "There Will Never Be Another You" by Lionel Hampton featuring Sylvia Bennett . . . what an appropriate title for one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time . . . Lionel's vibe playing on this album is unlike anything I have heard from him before . . . talk about unprecedented . . . there is only one word for this album . . . brilliant! But it is impossible to acknowledge Lionel's achievements without mentioning the sweet vocal contributions of the magnificently talented Sylvia Bennett! Lionel and Sylvia have teamed up before on their Grammy nominated album "Sentimental Journey" . . . if you want to take another profound jazz journey with this duo, I highly recommend this new CD . . . I promise you will be blown away by these big band/pop jazz tracks on this never before released CD. In addition, there is a DVD included which gives amazing footage of not only the behind-the-scenes making of this album, but also captures the respect and admiration these two friends had for one another and the music they created!"