Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band - I'm BeBoppin' Too

Styles: Jazz, Big Band
Year: 2009
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 68:16
Size: 157,1 MB
Art: Front

(2:37) 1. I'm BeBoppin' Too
(5:08) 2. Cool Breeze
(7:37) 3. Round Midnight
(5:38) 4. Manteca
(4:52) 5. Birks Works
(7:12) 6. If You Could See Me Now
(4:38) 7. Dizzy's Blues
(7:45) 8. Una Mas
(6:00) 9. I Can't Get Started
(4:55) 10. One Bass Hit
(6:19) 11. Tin Tin Deo
(5:30) 12. Lover Come Back To Me

Tribute bands are often bland affairs, because they become too predictable, while often omitting any artists who played with the deceased artist. Fortunately, this third CD by the Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band mixes veterans who worked with the trumpeter and talented younger players who acquit themselves very well. Trombonist Slide Hampton contributed a fresh chart of Dizzy's "Manteca" that is a bit more introspective and less percussive and shouting, with potent solos by pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath scored the subtle, hip treatment of Kenny Dorham's "Una Mas," showcasing alto saxophonist Mark Gross, trombonist Douglas Purviance, and baritonist Gary Smulyan.

Vocalist Roberta Gambarini's solid performance of "'Round Midnight" (and Hampton's fresh arrangement) trump those who claim that this landmark Thelonious Monk composition is recorded all too often; there is always room for a top-notch recording such as this one. Gambarini also guests in Heath's setting of Tadd Dameron's bittersweet ballad "If You Could Seem Me Now" and Hampton's snappy setting of "Lover, Come Back to Me." Nor should the brass players be overlooked: Roy Hargrove's lush playing in "I Can't Get Started," plus his comic vocal in the jive piece "I'm BeBoppin' Too," are complemented by Greg Gisbert's searing trumpet and Michael Dease's brief, effective trombone solo. Recommended.~Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/im-beboppin-too-mw0000820620

Personnel: Slide Hampton - musical director, trombone; James Moody - tenor sax, flute, vocals; Jimmy Heath - tenor sax; Antonio Hart - lead alto sax, flute; Gary Smulyan - baritone sax; Frank Greene - lead trumpet; Greg Gisbert - trumpet; Roy Hargrove - trumpet, vocals; Claudio Roditi - trumpet; Jason Jackson - lead trombone; Steve Davis - trombone; Michael Dease - trombone; Douglas Purviance - bass trombone; Cyrus Chestnut - piano; John Lee - bass, executive director; Lewis Nash - drums; Roberta Gambarini – vocals

I'm BeBoppin'Too

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Stefanie Schlesinger - Angel Eyes

Styles: Vocal
Year: 2004
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 50:06
Size: 133,1 MB
Art: Front

(5:04)  1. Say That You Love Me
(4:55)  2. Stay
(3:25)  3. Welcome Back
(3:34)  4. The Way He Makes Me Feel
(8:05)  5. When Sunny Gets Blue
(4:52)  6. Four Sweet Words
(4:40)  7. Angel Eyes
(4:28)  8. L'amore Che Non C'e
(4:19)  9. No Reason For Spring
(4:33) 10. Hoffnung
(2:04) 11. Close Your Eyes

Stefanie Schlesinger - vocal, Wolfgang Lackerschmid- vibes / gramorimba, Bob Degen - piano, John Lee - bass, Karl Latham - drums, Roger Squitero - percussion, Slide Hampton - trombone, Hendrik Meurkens - harmonica, Johannes Faber - trumpet on her new album "Angel Eyes" Schlesinger goes a step further than most of her singing colleagues.

It presents not only promising new songs (most composed by her musical director and vibraphonist, Wolfgang Lackerschmid), but provides the "standards" in unusual and highly surprising arrangements. Or who would ever "Angel Eyes" heard as bluesy 5/4 strokes and Michel Legrand's "The Way He Makes Me Feel" (from the movie "Yentl") as R & B Waltz? Anyway: "Angel Eyes" is not just the album a good singer plus band. It is also an album full of great solos and brilliant instrumental moments.Including the trombone Champion Slide Hampton, piano wizard Bob Degen and harmonica master Hendrik Meurkens - For the combined forces of some live jazz legends care. There are a lot of music to be discovered between the singing verses. Translate by google  http://hipjazz.net/angeleyes

Angel Eyes

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Heath Brothers - As We Were Saying

Styles: Jazz, Post Bop
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 59:18
Size: 136,4 MB
Art: Front

(6:21) 1. The Newest One
(7:15) 2. Bop Again
(4:49) 3. For Seven's Sake
(3:32) 4. South Filthy
(7:41) 5. I'm Glad There Is You
(6:09) 6. Dave's Haze
(6:48) 7. DayDream
(8:23) 8. Nostalgia
(8:19) 9. This Is What It Is

Oh man. Does this swing from the get-go, or what? And such a deal. Not only do you get the three Heath brothers: Jimmy on tenor and alto, Percy on bass and cello, and Al ("Tootie") drums, but they’re joined by the one and only Slide Hampton on ‘bone, Stanley Cowell on piano and kalimba, Sir Roland Hanna on piano, Jon Faddis on trumpet and flugelhorn, and Mark Elf on guitar. Plus James Mtume, Jimmy’s son, on percussion.Need I say more? Just look at the CV’s on these guys. The brothers have played with a hall of fame’s worth of masters: Dizzy, Monk, Miles, Trane, the MJQ, on and on and on. Let’s not slight Herbie Hancock, Yusef Lateef, J. J. Johnson, and even, by way of Mtume, electric-funk Miles. This thing charges out of the gate with the delightful "The Newest One," featuring brief but potent solos from Faddis and Hampton, followed by Sir Roland on piano and Jimmy on tenor sounding like they invented jazz and own all the patents. Next time the kids come by with their Counting Crows and Smashing Pumpkins discs, show them what real music sounds like with "Bop Agin," the second track. Yep, everybody plays excellently. Mark Elf wraps things up with a guitar solo and bar-swap with Jimmy that’s sunny but a trifle pro-forma; Elf isn’t a legend, but at this point, who’s counting?

"For Seven’s Sake" is a Coltrane-ish, spiritual number (not to say these guys are derivative. Coltrane probably got the idea from them), more introverted and serious than the first two, with some affecting work by Cowell on kalimba. "South Filthy" is a tribute to the Heath brothers’ lovely home town, featuring the brothers in a jaunty mood joined only by Mtume’s triangle. Jimmy’s horn here is hypnotically assured. It’s really something to hear his complete command of his instrument, a command unmatched by altogether too many younger players. The listener can tell here what it means to perfect a craft over fifty years. Check out his work solo on Jimmy Dorsey’s "I’m Glad There Is You." To borrow a phrase, it’s like watching Michelangelo sculpt.

The other two brothers hold up their end. Percy shines on Fats Navarro’s "Nostalgia" and "Dave’s Haze," another bright number featuring Elf turning in a fine blues line backed up by the solid rock of Percy and Al. The final track is called "This Is What It Is," and no better title could be found for the whole album. Inquirers into jazz should be directly referred to this CD: this is what it is. These three and their sidemen played a large part in making it what it is, and here is a little sampler of what they do with the experience they’ve amassed and the mastery they’ve achieved.

The album is actually called As We Were Saying..., which I take to be a reference to the fact that the brothers haven’t played together since 1983 (They were interrupted by the MJQ and scads of other activity). I’m sorry for the interruptions, but it seems clear that what the brothers have gained in all their years of separate activity is the beautiful ease and control that enriches this disc.~Robert Spencer https://www.allaboutjazz.com/as-we-were-saying-concord-music-group-review-by-robert-spencer.php

Personnel: Acoustic Bass, Cello [Jazz Cello] – Percy Heath; Drums, Percussion – Albert "Tootie" Heath; Guitar – Mark Elf ; Piano – Sir Roland Hanna; Piano, Kalimba – Stanley Cowell; Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Jimmy Heath; Trombone – Slide Hampton; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Jon Faddis

As We Were Saying

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Slide Hampton - American Swinging In Paris

Styles: Trombone Jazz, Swing
Year: 2003
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 33:55
Size: 78,2 MB
Art: Front

(10:01)  1. In Case of Emergency
( 7:14)  2. Last Minute Blues
( 7:55)  3. Chop Suey
( 4:42)  4. Lament
( 4:02)  5. Impossible Waltz

Slide Hampton has been a fine trombonist and arranger since the mid-'50s, helping to keep the tradition of bop alive in both his playing and his writing. After working with Buddy Johnson (1955-1956) and Lionel Hampton, he became an important force in Maynard Ferguson's excellent big band of 1957-1959. He led octets in the 1960s with such sidemen as Freddie Hubbard and George Coleman. After traveling with Woody Herman to Europe in 1968, Hampton settled overseas where he stayed very active. Since returning to the U.S. in 1977, he led his World of Trombones (which features nine trombonists), played in a co-op quintet called Continuum, and been involved in several Dizzy Gillespie tribute projects, recording in the 1990s for Telarc. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/artist/slide-hampton-mn0000748827/biography

Personnel: Slide Hampton, trombone; Joachim Kuhn, piano; Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, bass; Philly Joe Jones, drums

American Swinging In Paris

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Slide Hampton - Drum Suite

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1962
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 51:36
Size: 143,3 MB
Art: Front

(5:21)  1. Fump
(5:09)  2. Lover
(8:26)  3. Like Someone In Love
(4:28)  4. Gallery Groove
(5:23)  5. Our Waltz
(3:35)  6. It's All Right With Me
(3:14)  7. Stella By Starlight
(6:55)  8. Drum Suite (Parts I-V)
(5:46)  9. Well You Needn't
(3:14) 10. Sleigh Ride

This album, originally released by Epic, features trombonist-arranger Slide Hampton's augmented octet but it was overlooked when it was released in 1962 despite the all-star personnel. Hampton's arrangements are forward-looking hard bop and among the key soloists are tenor saxophonist Yusef Lateef (who is heard throughout in top form), drummer Max Roach and Hampton himself. The five-part "Drum Suite" is the most ambitious work but all of the arrangements have their unexpected moments, and Hampton's playing on an up-tempo "It's All Right with Me" is outstanding. This limited-edition Mosaic release, just a single CD, augments the original set with a version of "Well You Needn't" that was only out previously on an obscure sampler, plus a previously unreleased "Sleigh Ride" from the same dates. Overall the music is rewarding and if not quite essential, there are enough exciting moments (whether from the ensembles or the main soloists) to make this a recommended acquisition. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/drum-suite-mw0000495824

Personnel: Slide Hampton - trombone, arranger; John Bello, Hobart Dotson, Freddie Hubbard, Willie Thomas, Richard Williams - trumpet; Benny Jacobs-El - trombone; George Coleman - tenor saxophone; Yusef Lateef - flute, tenor saxophone; Jay Cameron - baritone saxophone; Tommy Flanagan - piano; Eddie Khan - bass; Vinnie Ruggiero, Max Roach - drums

Drum Suite Zippy

Drum Suite MC

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Maynard Ferguson - Newport Suite

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1960
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:32
Size: 91,2 MB
Art: Front

(4:28)  1. Jazz Bary
(5:11)  2. Foxy
(8:42)  3. Newport
(3:56)  4. Got the Spirit
(2:56)  5. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
(7:05)  6. Ol' Man River
(7:12)  7. Three More Foxes

Maynard Ferguson's bands of the early '60s produced many memorable albums, including this studio effort. Sax player and bandmember Willie Maiden contributed two originals. "The Jazz Bary" is a fun feature for baritone saxophonist Frank Hittner and Ferguson (who plays the rarely heard baritone horn), in which they play in unison, in thirds, and trade solos. "Three More Foxes" features trumpeters Dick Hiefer and Don Ellis and the leader, each taking turns soloing. This upbeat blues showcases great comping by pianist Jaki Byard as well. Liner note writer George T. Simon slips in a hilarious pun about Maiden's chart of "Ol' Man River," which "starts flowing with a mad Maiden form." The remaining charts were contributed by Slide Hampton (though he isn't present on the recording itself). "Foxy" is a bluesy feature for young tenor saxophonist Joe Farrell and the leader. "Newport," which was premiered at the 1959 festival there, is an elaborate suite with many flavors: a funeral-like dirge, a powerful uptempo blues that suggests the influence of Duke Ellington's "I'm Gonna Go Fishin'" in spots, and delicious call and response between the brass and reed sections. And he brings out his gospel roots in his scoring of the spiritual "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," the album's only relatively low-key number. Long out of print (though it was available as part of Mosaic's limited-edition CD box set of Maynard Ferguson's Roulette recordings), this is one of the trumpeter's very best LPs. ~ Ken Dryden https://www.allmusic.com/album/newport-suite-mw0000883790

Personnel:  Maynard Ferguson - trumpet, valve trombone, baritone horn; Don Ellis, Augustino 'Chet' Ferretti, Rick Kiefer - trumpet; Charles Greenlee, Mike Zagatini - trombone; Jimmy Ford - alto saxophone; Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden - tenor saxophone; Frank Hittner - baritone saxophone; Jaki Byard - piano; Aubrey Tosin - bass; Stu Martin - drums; Slide Hampton, Willie Maiden - arranger

Newport Suite

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Roy Hargrove - Nothing Serious

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2006
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 44:54
Size: 103,6 MB
Art: Front

(3:52)  1. Nothing Serious
(5:27)  2. A Day In Vienna
(5:25)  3. Trust
(4:59)  4. Camaraderie
(5:31)  5. Devil Eyes
(5:52)  6. The Gift
(6:52)  7. Salima's Dance
(6:53)  8. Invitation

Despite the nonchalance of its title, Nothing Serious may be Roy Hargrove's best disc yet. The first working band outing by the genre-leaping trumpeter since 1993's Of Kindred Souls features a cohesive quintet with alto saxophonist Justin Robinson, pianist Ronnie Mathews, bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Willie Jones III, augmented on three selections by special guest trombonist Slide Hampton. The opening title track, composed by Venezuelan guitarist Leo Quintero, is a melodious Latin jazz tour de force with powerful solos by the always lyrical Hargrove, along with Robinson (employing a thick, convincing Dolphyesque tone) and the veteran Mathews, whose mastery of the Afro-Cuban idiom pushes the music to its highest level, particularly during his montuno section, where the horns riff and Jones thrashes with inspired abandon. Hampton joins the band for his "A Day In Vienna first recorded with Dexter Gordon a straight-ahead cooker with a harmonic richness reminiscent of Horace Silver. Hargrove's "Trust is an evocative ballad constructed of long legato lines and warm harmonies, with stirring solos by Burno, Robinson (flute) and the composer (flugelhorn). "Camaraderie, a second Hargrove original, opens ominously with a dissonant free-form introduction featuring a trumpet-saxophone dialogue over drums, before resolving into a hot boppish blowing section. Burno's "Devil Eyes, a genuinely innovative, daring reharmonization of the standard chord changes to "Angel Eyes framed with a vamp that recalls the introduction to Stevie Wonder's "Too High, inspires exciting solos by Robinson, Hargrove and Jones. "The Gift is an attractive line by Hargrove which abounds with beauty and drama, eliciting passionate playing from each of the group's members. Mathews' potent "Salima's Dance, first recorded by the pianist back in the late '70s, is more than worthy of revival. Hargrove lets loose on this modal composition with his most incendiary solo of the date, followed by Robinson, Hampton and the composer, each one equally electrifying. A series of exchanges with Jones and a collective improvisation by the horns drive the music to a compelling climax. A swinging sextet version of "Invitation closes this satisfying session, which may not seem very "serious" compared to today's many staid and sober recordings seeking the status of classical music. But it is certainly significant in its earnest documentation of a great set of joyous jazz. ~ Russ Musto https://www.allaboutjazz.com/nothing-serious-roy-hargrove-verve-music-group-review-by-russ-musto.php

Personnel: Roy Hargrove: trumpet, flugelhorn; Justin Robinson: alto saxophone, flute; Slide Hampton: trombone; Ronnie Matthews: piano; Dwayne Burno: bass; Willie Jones III: drums.

Nothing Serious

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The Slide Hampton Octet - Two Sides of Slide

Styles: Trombone Jazz 
Year: 1961
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 72:28
Size: 168,5 MB
Art: Front

(9:10)  1. Newport
(3:24)  2. Autumn Leaves
(4:00)  3. Althea
(4:21)  4. Jazz Corner
(3:00)  5. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
(5:53)  6. Go East, Young Man
(3:42)  7. Patricia
(4:10)  8. Woodyn' You
(3:45)  9. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York
(3:47) 10. Bess, You Is My Woman Now
(4:32) 11. Summertime
(2:36) 12. I Love You Porgy
(4:53) 13. It Ain't Necessarily So / The Cloister (Dance Suite)
(4:39) 14. Part I Impression
(4:11) 15. Part II Obsession
(2:57) 16. Part III Expression
(3:20) 17. Part IV Possession

The two octets Slide Hampton uses on this recording are quite similar in content but different in the way they execute this music, and much of it has to do with the distinct difference in personnel, and the two years that separate their recording dates. The first half deals with hard to post-bop modifications and the way the group approaches a bridge between the two, while the other end of the program concentrates on interpretations the music written by George Gershwin, plus an extended four-part suite written by Hampton. These dual sides of Slide Hampton combine to form a complete picture of what the emerging arranger and trombonist offered as a individualist aside from peers (Quincy Jones, J.J. Johnson, Lalo Schifrin, et. al.) who concentrated on movie soundtracks. The sessions from 1959 include Bernard McKinney on the baritone horn, three different drummers (Kenny Dennis, Charlie Persip, and Pete LaRoca) on select tracks, and fledgling young trumpeters Booker Little and Freddie Hubbard, even though Burt Collins does all of the lead brass work with Hampton. "Newport" starts the set in a modal walk, the intro initially similar to "You Don't Know What Love Is," then merges into a steady streaming freight train jam. Four other Hampton originals range from the Latin unison call outs and boogaloo/bop "Althea" (assumedly for tennis star Althea Gibson), the regal "Go East, Young Man" based on the changes of "Milestones," the much quieter post-bopper "Jazz Corner," and the simple straight bop of "Patricia." 

Standards "Autumn Leaves," "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," and "Woody 'n' You" feature add-ons from the originals like chatty, choppy horns, more anthemic than normal hues, and a harder, abundant, modified line, respectively. A slightly less potent but still talented lineup from 1961 plays the five Gershwin pieces, with "There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York" again richly enhanced with a little rock & roll beat tossed in; "Summertime" is performed via high drama, and "It Ain't Necessarily So" is dressed in Latin trim. George Coleman is the lone artist besides Hampton and baritone saxophonist Jay Cameron on the entire date, and the always effervescent tenor saxophonist gets a laid-back solo during "I Loves You Porgy." The "dance" suite "The Cloister" is impressionistic within ballad, easy swing, slightly urgent waltz, and frantic bop segments, with some call and response at the end. Other than some drum fills from Lex Humphries, the piece is played to strict tolerances, and over some 14 minutes, is not as memorable as the other tracks, although hinting at future projects of Hampton's. As solid musically as any mainstream jazz fan might need, this is an important prelude to other large ensemble projects Slide Hampton assembled, and deserves repeat listenings to fully reap its rewards. ~ Michael G.Nastos https://www.allmusic.com/album/two-sides-of-slide-hampton-mw0000369027

ON TRACKS [1-8]: Recorded in New York, 1959: SLIDE HAMPTON, trombone; FREDDIE HUBBARD, BOOKER LITTLE, BURT COLLINS, trumpet; BERNANRD McKINNEY, baritone horn; GEORGE COLEMAN, tenor sax & clarinet; JAY CAMERON, baritone sax, bass clarinet; GEORGE TUCKER, bass; PETE LaROCA, KENNY DENNIS, CARLIE PERSIP, drums

ON TRACKS [9-17]: Recorded in New York, 1961: SLIDE HAMPTON, BEN JACOBS-EL, trombone; HOBART DOTSON, WILLIE THOMAS, trumpet; GEORGE COLEMAN, tenor sax; JAY CAMERON, baritone sax; EDDIE KAHN, bass; LEX HUMPHRIES, drums

Two Sides of Slide

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Maynard Ferguson - Dancing Sessions

Styles: Trombone And Trumpet Jazz
Year: 2007
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 79:00
Size: 187,6 MB
Art: Front

(2:23)  1. Secret Love
(3:11)  2. 'Tis Autumn
(3:29)  3. Soft Winds
(3:15)  4. 'Round Midnight
(2:51)  5. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(2:30)  6. Stompin' At The Savoy
(3:35)  7. It Might As Well Be Spring
(2:27)  8. I'll Be Seeing You
(3:34)  9. If I Should Lose You
(2:40) 10. Where's Teddy?
(3:02) 11. Hey There
(4:06) 12. Mangos
(2:56) 13. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(2:56) 14. My Foolish Heart
(1:59) 15. Let's Face The Music And Dance
(2:53) 16. You Don't Know What Love Is
(2:46) 17. It's Only A Paper Moon
(3:46) 18. The Party Is Over
(3:36) 19. The Masquerade Is Over
(3:10) 20. Let's Do It
(4:02) 21. Spring Is Here
(2:24) 22. It Could Happen To You
(3:29) 23. Teach Me Tonight
(2:22) 24. Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me
(3:03) 25. Don't Take Your Love From Me
(2:20) 26. Let's Fall In Love

This release contains the complete contents of the original Maynard Ferguson big band LPs Plays Jazz for Dancing (1959) and Lets Face the Music and Dance(1960), plus three rare bonus tracks taken from the same sessions and previously issued as singles or on compilation albums. The two albums presented here, come from the zenith of this orchestra and present Maynard Ferguson's vision of dance music at a time in which dancing and Jazz were undergoing serious decline. By 1950, Swing music seemed a thing of the past. Modern Jazz focused on small formats or big orchestral scores which targeted concert halls as opposed to dancing establishments. Most of the dance scene had been taken over by Rock & Roll and R&B bands. The great Canadian-born trumpeter Maynard Ferguson died in California on August 23, 2006, at the age of 78. His career had spanned over 60 years. He formed his own 14-piece band in 1956, and as it starred at the famous Birdland club in New York, it picked up the moniker the Birdland Dream Band - which remained active for nearly nine years, during an era in which most big bands saw very difficult times due to the change of times and musical styles. https://www.freshsoundrecords.com/maynard-ferguson-albums/5227-dancing-sessions-2-lp-on-1-cd.html

Personnel:  Trumpet – Bill Chase, Chet Ferretti,  Don Ellis, Jerry Tyree, Larry Moser, Maynard Ferguson, Rick Kiefer; Alto Saxophone – Jimmy Ford , Lanny Morgan; Baritone Saxophone – Frank Hittner , John Lanni; Bass – Charlie Saunders, Jimmy Rowser; Drums – Frankie Dunlop, Rufus Jones; Euphonium – Maynard Ferguson; Featuring – Maynard Ferguson And His Orchestra; Mellophone – Maynard Ferguson;  Piano – Bob Dogan, Jaki Byard; Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell, Willie Maiden; Trombone – Don Sebesky , Kenny Rupp, Maynard Ferguson, Slide Hampton

Dancing Sessions

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Bill Hardman - Focus

Styles: Trumpet Jazz
Year: 1980
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 38:36
Size: 89,1 MB
Art: Front

(6:03)  1. Avila & Tequila
(6:19)  2. Cubicle
(6:07)  3. Too Little, Too Late
(5:39)  4. Focus
(9:14)  5. My One And Only Love
(5:11)  6. Minority

Always a bit underrated and overshadowed, trumpeter Bill Hardman was a solid soloist in the tradition of Clifford Brown. He led three Muse albums during 1978-81, of which this was the second. Matched as usual with his fellow hard bop stylist, tenor saxophonist Junior Cook, along with trombonist Slide Hampton, pianist Walter Bishop, Jr., bassist Leroy Williams and drummer Stafford James, Hardman is heard in top form on such numbers as Hank Mobley's "Avila & Tequila," Tadd Dameron's "Focus" and "Minority." ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/focus-mw0000923787

Personnel:  Bill Hardman - trumpet;  Junior Cook - tenor saxophone;  Slide Hampton - trombone;  Walter Bishop Jr. - piano;  Stafford James - bass;  Leroy Williams - drums;  Mark Elf - guitar

Focus

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Dexter Gordon & Slide Hampton - A Day In Copenhagen

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1969
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:57
Size: 113,4 MB
Art: Front

(9:07)  1. My Blues
(5:59)  2. You Don't Know What Love Is
(5:03)  3. A New Thing
(8:00)  4. What's New
(4:57)  5. The Shadow Of Your Smile
(7:48)  6. A Day In Vienna

Unlike many other American expatriates living in Europe, tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon always managed to play and record with the top musicians while overseas. This excellent sextet session (with trombonist Slide Hampton, trumpeter Dizzy Reece, pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Art Taylor) finds him exploring three Slide Hampton compositions and a trio of standard ballads. The other soloists are fine but Gordon easily dominates the set, playing his brand of hard-driving bop.~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/day-in-copenhagen-mw0000649538

Personnel:  Dexter Gordon - tenor saxophone;  Slide Hampton - trombone;  Dizzy Reece - trumpet;  Kenny Drew - piano;  Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen - bass;  Art Taylor - drums

A Day In Copenhagen

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Dexter Gordon - Sophisticated Giant

Styles: Saxophone Jazz
Year: 1977
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 55:59
Size: 128,9 MB
Art: Front

(7:41)  1. Laura
(6:39)  2. The Moontrane
(8:53)  3. Red Top
(7:55)  4. Fried Bananas
(9:52)  5. You're Blasé
(4:54)  6. How Insensitive
(4:51)  7. Diggin' In
(5:10)  8. It's Only a Paper Moon

This excellent Columbia album was recorded less than a year after Dexter Gordon's well-publicized tour of the United States following a dozen years spent living in Europe. With assistance from such other major players as trumpeters Woody Shaw and Benny Bailey, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson sounds in superlative form on Woody Shaw's "The Moontrane," four standards, and his own "Fried Bananas." In addition to the original program (which features Dexter with an all-star tentet), the 1997 CD reissue adds two 1979 features for vocalese singer Eddie Jefferson ("Diggin' It" and "It's Only a Paper Moon") that were originally released on Gordon's Great Encounters; trumpeter Shaw and trombonist Curtis Fuller co-star with Gordon. An excellent acquisition. ~ Scott Yanow https://www.allmusic.com/album/sophisticated-giant-mw0000674545

Personnel:  Dexter Gordon — tenor and soprano saxophone;  Frank Wess — alto saxophone, flute, piccolo;  Woody Shaw — trumpet, fluegelhorn;  Benny Bailey — lead trumpet, fluegelhorn;  Slide Hampton — trombone;  Wayne Andre — lead trombone;  Howard Johnson — tuba, baritone saxophone;  Bobby Hutcherson — vibes;  George Cables — piano;  Rufus Reid — bass;  Victor Lewis — drums

Sophisticated Giant

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Slide Hampton - Explosion! The Sound Of Slide Hampton

Styles: Trombone Jazz
Year: 1962
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 29:51
Size: 71,8 MB
Art: Front

(2:26)  1. Revival
(2:23)  2. Maria
(3:59)  3. Delilah
(2:33)  4. Begin The Beguine
(3:01)  5. Your Cheatin' Heart
(3:33)  6. Spanish Flier
(2:58)  7. Bye Bye Love
(3:29)  8. Love Letters
(5:26)  9. Slide's Blues

The explosion in the title is definitely well-placed as trombonist Slide Hampton makes his group groove with a tremendous amount of power here all horns focused strongly on the rhythms, which themselves are wonderfully soulful! As with some of Hampton's best from the time, there's some really fresh young players on the set some obscure musicians, mixed with future heavyweights Joe Farrell and Ronnie Cuber on reeds plus piano from the great Horace Parlan! The tunes have a tight focus that really shows off Hampton's arranging skills and titles include "Spanish Flyer", "Bye Bye Love", "Slide's Blues", and "Begin The Beguine". (White label promo. Cover has some wear.)  © 1996-2018, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/33449/Slide-Hampton:Explosion-The-Sound-Of-Slide-Hampton

Personnel:  Slide Hampton - trombone, arranger;  Johnny Bello, Chet Ferretti, Jerry Tyree - trumpet;  Benny Jacobs-El - trombone;  Joe Farrell - tenor saxophone;  Jay Cameron, (1, 3, 5, 7, 8) Ronnie Cuber (2, 4, 6 & 9) - baritone saxophone;  Walter Davis, Jr., (1, 3, 5, 7, 8) Horace Parlan (2, 4, 6 & 9) - piano;  Bob Cranshaw - bass;  Vinnie Ruggiero - drums;  Willie Bobo - congas (2, 4, 6 & 9)

Explosion! The Sound Of Slide Hampton

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Slide Hampton & The World Of Trombones - Spirit Of The Horn

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 66:41
Size: 152.7 MB
Styles: Big band, Trombone jazz
Year: 2003
Art: Front

[4:53] 1. Cherokee
[5:05] 2. Tocache
[6:24] 3. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
[5:41] 4. Lament Basin Street Blues
[4:33] 5. April In Paris
[6:08] 6. Lester Leaps In
[5:07] 7. Moment's Notice
[7:10] 8. Dolphin Dance
[7:13] 9. Walkin'-N-Rhythm
[6:00] 10. Maya
[8:22] 11. Blues For Eric

Slide Hampton, leader, trombone; Jay Ashby, Michael Boschen, Steve Davis, Hugh Fraser, David Gibson, Andre Hayward, Benny Powell, Isaac Smith, trombone; Tim Newman, Douglas Purviance, Max Seigel, David Taylor, bass trombone; Marty Ashby, guitar, banjo; Larry Willis, piano; John Lee, bass; Victor Jones, drums. Special guest soloist -- Bill Watrous (1, 3. 11).

I wish my friend Bill Swanson were alive to hear this. Bill loved the trombone, and would have greatly admired this picturesque performance by Slide Hampton’s World of Trombones in concert at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in Pittsburgh. This is wall-to-wall ‘bones, as Slide leads a dozen of the country’s finest through their paces and welcomes guest soloist Bill Watrous on Ray Noble’s “Cherokee,” Billy Strayhorn’s “A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing” and his own “Blues for Eric.”

Hampton, who turned seventy last year, is not only a marvelous player himself but knows how to bring out the best in a king-size section with diaphanous charts that accentuate the range and natural beauty of the horns and also swing. Slide scored the first seven numbers and “Blues for Eric” with the other arrangements by Todd Bashare (Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance”), bass trombonist Max Siegel (“Walkin’-N-Rhythm”) and David Gibson (his own composition, "Maya").

As a reward for their earnestness and artistry, everyone in the ensemble is given blowing space (and makes the most of it) on the breakneck finale, “Blues for Eric.” Hampton is featured on J.J. Johnson’s “Lament” and the ensemble’s tribute to Charlie Parker, “April in Paris,” and engages in horn-to-horn combat with Watrous on “Cherokee” and old hand Benny Powell on “Basin Street Blues.” Watrous, a master at using the horn’s upper register, is a triple-tongueing monster on “Cherokee,” an ardent romantic on “Flower.” He and the other ‘bones are supported by a supple rhythm section comprised of Willis, guitarist Marty Ashby, bassist John Lee and drummer Victor Jones. More than two decades after its first album (on which Slide used eight horns and rhythm), the World of Trombones has made a triumphant reappearance, as luminous and entrancing as ever. Let’s hope it won’t be another twenty years or more before Slide’s World collides again with ours. ~Jack Bowers

Spirit Of The Horn

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The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band - The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s

Time: 61:25

Size: 140.6 MB

Styles: Bop, Swing, Big band

Year: 1996/2006

Art: Front

[ 8:22] 1. In The Mood

[ 4:47] 2. It Never Entered My Mind

[ 7:05] 3. Shiny Stockings

[ 9:59] 4. Giant Steps

[10:05] 5. Frame For The Blues

[10:39] 6. Sing, Sing, Sing

[ 5:03] 7. Getting Sentimental Over You

[ 5:22] 8. South Rampart Street Parade

Alto Saxophone – Frank Wess (tracks: 1, 6); Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Jerry Dodgion; Alto Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Dick Oatts; Baritone Saxophone – Gary Smulyan; Bass – Peter Washington; Bass Trombone – Doug Purviance; Drums – Lewis Nash; Piano – Renee Rosnes; Tenor Saxophone – Lew Tabackin (tracks: 4); Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute – Ralph Lalama; Tenor Saxophone, Flute – Ted Nash; Trombone – Dennis Wilson, Slide Hampton, Steve Turre; Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Byron Stripling, Earl Gardner, Lew Soloff, Ryan Kisor. Recorded with a two microphone Cello recording system. Recorded at Sony Studios, New York City.

The ONLY recording of the CARNEGIE HALL JAZZ BAND is a rewarding experience to any jazz lovers ears. The music director for the ensemble was trumpeter Jon Faddis, and for the most part he has done an admirable job producing this along with Newport Jazz impressario, Goerge Wein. 8 tunes with 5 arrangers (Jim McNeely, Garnett Brown, Slide Hampton, Frank Foster and the unknown to my background at least, Randy Sandke). The band unlike others of its ilk, emphasizes classics (in the jazz and pop venues) instead of originals. However, there lies the knocking off of one star to this CD. The originals are not the way you might want to hear them played. Usually thats a good thing, but in some cases ,i.e. IN THE MOOD, the opening number, it can get a little jarring. That aside, the muscianship is top notch. Frank Wess, Jon Faddis, Ted Nash, Jerry Dodgion, Lew Tabackin, Renee Rosnes, to name a few in this band, turn in some fine solos.

This is not a "live" album even though it may look like it is at first glance. Recorded at Sony Music Studio B in NYC with a minimal amount of takes (according to the notes) with no post production or "mixing" which is a rarity today. ~Daddyojazz

The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band   

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David Hazeltine Quartet - 4 Flights Up

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1995
File: MP3@224K/s
Time: 60:35
Size: 98,4 MB
Art: Front

(5:11)  1. I Should Care
(8:37)  2. Betcha By Golly Wow
(5:53)  3. You Stepped Out Of A Dream
(5:37)  4. Ann's Mood
(6:27)  5. Pentimento
(6:51)  6. Four Flights Up
(9:30)  7. Every Time We Say Goodbye
(5:44)  8. Air Conditioning
(6:43)  9. Confluence

David Hazeltine is a veteran jazz pianist who seems to be one of the best kept secrets in jazz. This 1995 studio session for Sharp Nine adds seasoned trombonist Slide Hampton to complement a tight trio rounded out by the heavily in-demand bassist Peter Washington, and drummer Killer Ray Appleton. This post-bop date kicks off with an angular approach to the timeless ballad "I Should Care," in which Hampton slips in several licks from "Four" (which was allegedly written by Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson and stolen by Miles Davis). Many listeners' eyes and ears would glaze over at the prospect of sitting through a jazz arrangement of the lightweight pop tune "Betcha By Golly Wow," but the creative scoring by Hazeltine and Gerald Cannon make this brisk treatment work beautifully. Appleton's hot drumming propels the hot version of "You Stepped Out of a Dream." The quartet doesn't neglect ballads, delivering a mellow interpretation of Cole Porter's "Every Time We Say Goodbye." Neither is Hazeltine a slouch as a composer. His lovely waltz, "Ann's Mood," (which the trombonist sits out), the infectious Latin-flavored "Pentimento," and the catchy "Four Flights Up" are all excellent vehicles for improvisation. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/four-flights-up-mw0000610878

Personnel:  David Hazeltine (piano); Slide Hampton (trombone); Peter Washington (bass); Killer Ray Appleton (drums).

4 Flights Up

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Curtis Fuller - Two Bones

Styles: Trombone Jazz

Year: 1958

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 39:35

Size: 91,1 MB

Art: Front

(7:48)  1. Fuss Budget

(4:40)  2. Oatmeal Cookie

(7:33)  3. Da-Baby

(5:39)  4. Pajama Tops

(4:00)  5. Slide's Ride

(4:12)  6. Loquacious Lady

(5:40)  7. Mean Jean

One of the hippest Curtis Fuller albums for Blue Note and one of the rarest too a set that was recorded in 1958, but only ever issued on vinyl in this rare Japanese pressing from the 80s! The date's quite unique as it features "two bones", that is, two trombonists both Curtis Fuller and Slide Hampton, the latter of whom makes a rare Blue Note appearance with a hard, heavy, soulful groove. Rhythm is from the trio of Sonny Clark on piano, George Tucker on bass, and Al Harewood on drums and the quality of the record is all super-high another one of those Blue Note mysteries as to why the label never issued the set at the time. Titles include "Pajama Tops", "Fuss Budget", "Oatmeal Cookie", "Da-Baby", and "Loquacious Lady". (SHMCD pressing.) © 1996-2016, Dusty Groove, Inc. https://www.dustygroove.com/item/700816

Personnel:  Bass – George Tucker;  Drums – Al Harewood;  Piano – Sonny Clark;  Trombone – Curtis Fuller, Slide Hampton

Two Bones

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Monty Alexander - Caribbean Circle

Styles: Piano Jazz
Year: 1992
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 58:19
Size: 135,8 MB
Art: Front

(1:05)  1. Tradewinds Talk
(6:45)  2. Hurricane Come And Gone
(7:12)  3. Caribbean Circle
(5:05)  4. Consider
(1:15)  5. Cowboys Talk
(8:45)  6. Cowboy Ska Medley
(4:45)  7. Three Little Birds
(5:49)  8. Oh Why? (In Memory Of M.D. Davis)
(1:29)  9. Satchmo Talk
(7:32) 10. When The Saints Go Marching In
(4:38) 11. Mango Walk (Old Fork Song)
(3:54) 12. Sweet Georgia Brown

First-rate example of connecting diverse styles and traditions. Alexander, a solid soloist well versed in Caribbean music, integrates rhythms from the islands into his solos, yet retains the jazz edge and drive. A great supporting cast as well which includes Slide Hampton and Jon Faddis. ~ Ron Wynn http://www.allmusic.com/album/caribbean-circle-mw0000119670

Personnel: Monty Alexander (whistling, piano); Dave Glasser, (alto saxophone); Frank Foster (tenor saxophone); E. Dankworth, Jon Faddis (trumpet); Slide Hampton (trombone); Ira Coleman (acoustic bass); Anthony Jackson (electric bass); Othello Molineax (drums, steel drum); Herlin Riley, Robert Thomas, Jr., Steve Ferrone (drums); Othello Molineaux (steel drum); Marjorie Whylie (percussion).

Caribbean Circle

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Slide Hampton - Mellow-Dy

Styles: Trombone Jazz

Year: 1968

File: MP3@320K/s

Time: 55:02

Size: 127,0 MB

Art: Front

( 4:15)  1. Lament

( 7:11)  2. Impossible Waltz

(12:15)  3. Chop Suey

( 5:16)  4. Mellow- Dy

(18:32)  5. The Thing

( 7:30)  6. Us Six

Trombonist Slide Hampton's writing ability has long overshadowed his skills as a player. This CD reissue sets the record straight by putting the focus on Hampton's boppish and consistently creative trombone. The first three selections (a couple of originals and J.J. Johnson's "Lament") showcase Hampton really stretching out with a quartet also including pianist Martial Solal, bassist Henri Texler and drummer Daniel Humair. The second half of the CD has Hampton joined by tenor saxophonist Nathan Davis, vibraphonist Dave Pike, pianist Hampton Hawes (sounding quite modern), Texler, and Humair for a couple more originals and Hawes' "Us Six." Overall, the advanced straight-ahead music on this CD comprises one of Hampton's best showcases as a trombonist, and the release is easily recommended. ~ Scott Yanow http://www.allmusic.com/album/mellow-dy-mw0000234931

Personnel: Slide Hampton (trombone); Nathan Davis (tenor saxophone); Dave Pike (vibraphone); Martin Solal, Hampton Hawes (piano); Henri Texier (bass); Daniel Humair (drums).

Mellow-Dy

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Dee Dee Bridgewater - Prelude To A Kiss: The Duke Ellington Album

Styles: Jazz, Vocal
Year: 1996
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 52:13
Size: 121,0 MB
Art: Front

(2:26)  1. Midnight Indigo
(5:02)  2. I'm Beginning To See The Light
(4:15)  3. Bli-Blip
(3:30)  4. Fleurette Africaine
(3:52)  5. Prelude To A Kiss
(4:29)  6. Caravan
(4:20)  7. Solitude
(4:27)  8. Mood Indigo
(4:16)  9. Night Creature: Fast
(7:28) 10. Night Creature: Andante Misterioso
(3:52) 11. Night Creature: Moderato - Faster Swing - Moderato
(4:11) 12. Come Sunday

This release is more properly identified as a various artists compilation, which includes the pop sounds of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Most of the orchestrations and arrangements are pleasant, even if they're not blatantly original. Alto saxophonist Bobby Watson is superb on "Mood Indigo" and the exotic "Fleurette Africaine." 

The orchestra does a fine job with the rarely heard suite "Night Creature." Singer Dee Dee Bridgewater shines frequently; backed by a superb quartet including Wynton Marsalis, she delivers a delightful cover of "I'm Beginning To See The Light." But it is her hypnotic, chanting introduction, backed by Middle Eastern percussion and Steve Turre's conch shells, that gives this release an occasional freshness usually lacking in similar Ellington tributes. ~ Ken Dryden http://www.allmusic.com/album/prelude-to-a-kiss-the-duke-ellington-album-mw0000611119

Personnel: Dee Dee Bridgewater (vocals); The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra; John Mauceri (conductor); Robert Sadin, Slide Hampton, Alan Broadbent, Henry Martin, Clare Fischer (arrangers); Hassan Hakmoun (vocals, gimbra, percussion); Charles McPherson, Bobby Watson (alto saxophone); Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Steve Turre (shells); Bruce Dukov (concertmaster); Cyrus Chestnut (piano); Robert Sadin (organ); Vincent Nguini (guitar); Ira Coleman (bass, drums); Jeff Hamilton (drums); Cyro Baptista (percussion).

Prelude To A Kiss: The Duke Ellington Album

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