Lionel Hampton - The Lionel Hampton Quintet

Vibraphonist Hampton as ever boasts a struck-bottle tone and watery vibrato, energy to spare, and timing few jazz musicians could equal. He used to bat around small bands like balloons, their performances caught on a string of quality jam-session records stretching back to the 1930s. This 1954 version, originally on two LPs, makes good with a slightly unlikely cast. Clarinet modernist Buddy DeFranco is swept back toward the piping, driving style of swing-era heroes like Hamp's old boss Benny Goodman, without sacrificing his own attractively full but not heavy tone. DeFranco gets plenty of space and soars to the occasion, reminding us what such sessions are good for. As on other studio jams for producer Norman Granz, flashy pianist Oscar Peterson and drummer Buddy Rich are admirably self-effacing, laying down a firm but pliant groove in conjunction with bassist Ray Brown. Hamp's oddball pop-tune quotes help establish an air of good humor the band sustains even on "Paper Moon," which he missed. --Kevin Whitehead Amazon.com

If you can't afford the boxed set

This is a great CD, which was originally two LP's. The running time is 71:47 and the recordings date from 1954.

When you've got Lionel Hampton, who isn't noted for restraint, Oscar Peterson, who can play more Piano than anyone except Tatum, and Buddy Rich who is the showman Drummer supreme you know you're not in for a ballad selection...

The whole thing is summarized by the opening track. A 17 minute version of Flying Home (Lionel Hamptons signature tune). This is driven along with tremendous swing, and the solos literally fly. The remaining musicians are equally eminent, the relentless Ray Brown on bass, and Buddy DeFranco on Clarinet.

I'm saving for the boxed set anyway!
June 24, 2007

A dud

It is hard to believe this line-up of brilliant musicians doesn't really swing very hard on this CD but, contrary to other reviewers, I feel it to be the sad truth...

Oscar Peterson is usually capable to ignite even the best swingers to swing harder, Hampton and De Franco have proved their versality by playing with musicians of different generations, the rhythm section is as strong as can be and still it just doesn't really swing. Starting from "Flying home", the songs just go on and on... February 10, 2007

Did someone say "cool?"

This is the pinnacle of what smart, arty hipsters in the fifties called hip. From the first sounds on the first track--those brushes on the snare drum--this album really defines the jazz of its era. It's Hepcat 101; an indispensable part of any jazz record collection. November 19, 2005

Swingin Cats

This session is the definition of swing, particularly exemplified on the first track. The quintet swings long, and they swing hard, with a good song selection and all star personnel. For jazz listeners from beginners to advanced, this record is a must-have in the jazz collection. 5 stars. August 21, 2003

this music makes you smile and dance

This is an all star session, and a very succesful one. What we hear is highly inspired, swinging, timeless jazz. Vibes and clarinet together sound unconventional, elegant and really entertaining. I highly recommend this CD. February 22, 2003

More reviews at Amazon.com ...