Lionel Hampton was more well known in the 1940's as a big band player, so the thought of him playing with a combo might make some jazz aficionados cringe. However, Lionel's sensitivity as a soloist and a player in a smaller jazz ensemble is greatly represented by this CD, which has some of his best solos ever recorded. The solos on Flying Home and Just One of Those Things are quite possibly the two best vibraphone solos I've ever heard him play. His choice in not playing the vibraphone as a ryhthm instrument was a wise one, as drums, bass, and piano already fill out this role with the appropriate amount of support. The addition of a jazz guitarist and clarinetist taking solos greatly adds to the tonal color on many of the songs. My only regret about this CD is that Lionel didn't play more uptempo tunes, as some of the slower songs (such as Midnight Sun) can producde a quickly tiring and dirge-like atmosphere for the listener. However, it is in this recording that we also hear Lionel as more than just a vaudeville player with a few tricks up his sleeves, but as a real jazz musician in the same league as Ellington, Fitzgerald, or Mingus.
July 3, 2006If I ever get tired of this CD, (probably never!)I might go for the boxed set. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, Buddy fans of all ages, this is a must. About ten minutes into "Flying Home" buckle your seat belts. This tune alone is worth buying this recording as it will provide listeners with the definition of swing and the unbelievable joy that comes with it. Very little else comes close. Buddy Rich's drumming on "Flying Home", from his impeccable brushwork start to a completly hard, pure, and unadulterated swing beat finish is my favorite of all time. Oh, by the way, the rest of the CD and musicians are also about as good as it gets. SWING!
December 18, 2003When you put four great players together, such as Lionel Hampton, Oscar Peterson, Buddy Rich and Ray Brown, I don't care what they play. You know that it has to be great. They seem to complement each other. Strongly recommend this CD.
August 28, 2002 |  | Hamp puts the "grr" in swinger |  |
Decided to pick this up en lieu of the the expensive box set (The Complete Quartets & Quintets with Oscar Peterson)...now I might just have to get the whole set! Verve has offered the perfect teaser; every tune is a corker. "Flying Home" is a magnificent tour de force from the the buildup to the orgasmic yet tasteful climax. This is classic stuff, folks.
March 19, 2002| | | This swings and swings and swings! | |
For those who don't have the funds to invest in the 5-disc set featuring the collected recordings of this collaboration, this is a very worthy sample. Particularly amazing is a seventeen-minute version of "Flying Home" with Buddy DeFranco on clarinet. For the last few minutes of this tune, Lionel and Oscar are grunting so loud that they are practically yelling with enthusiasm for the incredible groove they're playing. Buy this disc, or, better yet, buy the boxed set!
February 12, 2000More reviews at Amazon.com ...
