LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1947 | The Chronogical Classics – 994 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All of Lionel Hampton's studio recordings from 1947 (before the second recording strike) are on this intriguing CD. Hampton's big band at the time mixed together R&B with bebop, swinging hard and putting on exciting shows. "Hamp's Got a Duke," "Three Minutes on 52nd Street," and "Red Top" are typical of the ensemble's work, but there is also Charles Mingus' futuristic "Mingus Fingers" along with the original version of Hampton's classic ballad "Midnight Sun." In addition, there are three fairly obscure small-group sessions that mostly showcase Hampton's vibes but also include pianist Milt Buckner, tenor saxophonist Morris Lane, trumpeter Benny Bailey, and pianist Dodo Marmarosa. Well worth picking up by fans of 1940s jazz. Scott Yanow
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