HOT LIPS PAGE — After Hours In Harlem (1973-1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From a historic standpoint, this is a significant CD reissue (a straight reproduction of a long-out-of-print Onyx Lp from 1973), but the shaky recording quality makes it of primary interest to serious jazz record collectors. The great swing trumpeter and vocalist Hot Lips Page is heard in several live jam sessions during 1940-41 that were saved for history by Jerry Newman, a college student who owned portable disc recording equipment. The first four selections, recorded in Newman's apartment during a party, matches trumpeter Page in a trio with tenor saxophonist Herbie Fields and pianist Donald Lambert. While Lambert, who rarely recorded, was a great stride player, Fields was just a so-so and overly heated tenorman, and he sometimes gets in the way. The other five numbers feature Page jamming in a club (possibly Monroe's Uptown House) with musicians who vary greatly in quality. The young Thelonious Monk is heard at the beginning of his career, but he is only on two numbers, sounding surprisingly influenced by Earl Hines during his short spots. Guitarist Tiny Grimes on "I've Found a New Baby" shows off the strong influence of Charlie Christian, while trumpeter Joe Guy does his best but is overshadowed by Page; other saxophonists pass through without making much of an impression. Actually, the most remarkable moments during this CD are Page's brilliant scat singing on "Konk," sounding like an extension of Leo Watson. Interesting and historic music, but not essential. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1.        I Got Rhythm    4:57
 George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin 
2.        I'm In The Mood For Love    3:20
 Dorothy Fields / Jimmy McHugh 
3.        Dinah    7:58
 Harry Akst / Sam M. Lewis / Joe Young 
4.        Tea For Two    6:45
 Irving Caesar / Vincent Youmans 
5.        I've Found A New Baby    3:26
 Jack Palmer / Spencer Williams 
6.        Sweet Georgia Brown    5:23
Ben Bernie / Kenneth Casey / Maceo Pinkard
7.        Old Yazoo    5:59
 Fats Waller 
8.        Topsy    6:58
 Edgar Battle / Eddie Durham 
9.        Konk    8:52
 Hot Lips Page 
Credits :  
Alto Saxophone – Rudy Williams (tracks: 7)
Guitar – Tiny Grimes (tracks: 5)
Piano – Donald Lambert (tracks: 1 to 4), Thelonious Monk (tracks: 6, 8)
Tenor Saxophone – Herbie Fields (tracks: 1 to 4)
Trumpet – Hot Lips Page, Joe Guy (tracks: 5 to 8)  

LIONEL HAMPTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1945-1946 | The Chronogical Classics – 922 (1997) FLAC (tracks), lossless

The sixth CD in Classics' series of Lionel Hampton records documents his music during a one-year period. Hampton's big band, riding high after "Flying Home," continued to grow in popularity during this era. The vibraphonist's showmanship and his sidemen's extroverted solos generated constant excitement, as can be heard throughout these 20 selections. With the exception of Dinah Washington's lone vocal on "Blow Top Blues" and the original version of "Hey! Ba-Ba-Re-Bop," most of the selections were formerly a bit rare, including a pair of rollicking V-disc performances ("Vibe Boogie" and "Screamin' Boogie"). Hampton is heard on 14 numbers with his big band (which included such key sidemen as trumpeter Joe Morris, tenorman Arnett Cobb, the eccentric Herbie Fields on alto and clarinet, and pianist Milt Buckner), four workouts with a septet, and two tunes (including a pair of vocals) with a rhythm quartet. Bing Crosby guests on so-so versions of "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" (sounding very much out of place), but otherwise, everything works. Stirring and accessible music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :