Search - Lionel Hampton :: Jazz Flamenco

Maria made it happen

Robin Benson | 03/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An interesting re-issue of a Hampton LP recorded when the band visited Spain in 1956. Of the ten tracks, three are listed as Hampton's quintet: Spain; Tenderly and Toledo Blade (after the Spanish city and American newspaper) but they all feature the castanet playing of Maria Angelica and she is the reason I like this CD. Castanets are not the sort of instrument that comes to mind when thinking of jazz but Maria varies the rhythm and intensity of playing and I think she really adds something to these tracks, just hear 'Bop City Flamenco' or Toledo Blade'.



The band features some of the regulars that have been with Hampton for years: Ed Mullen; Bobby Plater; Eddie Chamblee and of course, guitarist Billy Mackel and their playing shows the grittiness that is part of the Hampton big band sound. This CD is worth getting for some good swinging big band jazz from the Fifties (though unfortunately without any bonus tracks) and a chance to hear the amazing Ms Angelica liven things up.

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