Lionel Hampton Albums (82)
'There Will Never Be Another You'
Release Date 1/1/2006
Tracks 13
Label Out of Sight
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What The Critics Say
In 1987, veteran vibraphonist Lionel Hampton recorded one of his last albums. Sentimental Journey mostly put the spotlight on singer Sylvia Bennett, a vocalist whose style falls between cabaret and swing and is pleasant if safe. In 2006, a slightly later collaboration from 1989 between the pair was released. There Will Never Be Another You has Hampton in excellent form with an unidentified big band (the lack of personnel information is inexcusable) on six instrumentals which alternate with seven Bennett vocals. The second version of "You Make My Heart Sing" is a disco remix. Otherwise the music swings but is uneventful, being pleasing if predictable. An accompanying DVD has a half-hour documentary about the background of the CD and the Hampton-Bennett musical partnership. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Lionel Hampton in Concert'
Release Date 10/22/2004
Tracks 11
Label Teo
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What The Critics Say
Throughout his long career, vibraphonist Lionel Hampton has recorded many informal small-group jams. This particular one (last available on LP) matches Hamp with the great but underrated violinist Svend Asmussen, bassist Niels Pedersen and drummer Ed Thigpen. The repertoire is not too adventurous ("Flying Home," "Midnight Sun" and four other standards) but somehow Hampton always plays this well-worn material as if he had just discovered its magic. The results are quite lively and enjoyable with the blend of vibes and violin being memorable. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'How High the Moon'
Release Date 4/8/2003
Tracks 8
Label Japanese Import
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'Lionel Hampton and His Big Band Live at the John Anson Ford Ampitheather'
Release Date 5/28/2002
Tracks 19
Label Orchard
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'Live at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater'
Release Date 1/9/2002
Tracks 19
Label Phillip
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'Jazz in Paris: Lionel Hampton & His French New Sound, Vol. 1'
Release Date 6/5/2001
Tracks 4
Label Verve International
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What The Critics Say
Lionel Hampton joins forces with a number of top French musicians for this 1955 studio session, reissued in Verve's Jazz in Paris series. Three of the four compositions are Hampton's, swinging tunes arranged by Christian Chevalier. The first, "Voice of the North," is primarily for the leader's matchless vibes with the rhythm section, though individual soloists are featured, including fellow Americans Nat Adderley and Benny Bailey on trumpets and David Amram on French horn, as well as clarinetist Maurice Meunier and baritone saxophonist William Boucaya. It's just Hampton and the rhythm section (pianist René Urtreger, bassist Guy Pedersen, and drummer Jean-Baptiste Reilles) for the long workout of "À la French." The one standard of the date, "Crazy Rhythm," suffers from somewhat muddy sound, particularly the overly distant brass. Guitarist Sacha Distel, though admittedly intimidated by Hampton, rises to the leader's level of playing with a fine solo. Overall, this is an enjoyable if not quite essential CD by Lionel Hampton. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Jazz in Paris: Lionel Hampton & His French New Sound, Vol. 2'
Release Date 6/5/2001
Tracks 4
Label Verve International
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What The Critics Say
Lionel Hampton is joined by a number of top French jazz musicians plus Nat Adderley and American expatriate Benny Bailey for this 1955 studio session, playing Christian Chevalier's charts. "All the Things You Are" features the vibraphonist with the rhythm section, with strong solo efforts by guitarist Sacha Distel and pianist René Urtreger, along with the leader. The low-key, lengthy treatment of "I Cover the Waterfront" almost suggests a Jazz at the Philharmonic session, showcasing nice features for trumpeter Bernard Hullin, tenor saxophonist Maurice Meunier, Urtreger, and Hampton. Things finally seem to loosen up with Hampton's swinging riff tune "Red Ribbon," with the solid rhythm and powerful brass and reeds igniting the vibraphonist, who trades solos with several players, including French horn player Dave Amram. "Night and Day," like "I Cover the Waterfront," is stretched out considerably, but benefits from a brisker setting. A long overlooked recording, this laudable date was finally reissued by Universal in 2000 as a part of its very affordable Jazz in Paris series. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Lionel Hampton's two-day session for Blue Star in 1976 was a very productive date; he only brought along two regulars, guitarist Billy Mackel and pianist/organist Reynold Mullins, but was joined by an assortment of outstanding European players, including pianist Raymond Fol, alto saxophonist Michel Attenoux (who had worked with Hampton before), trombonist Claude Gousset, tenor saxophonist Gerard Badini, bassist Michel Gaudry, and former Ellington drummer Sam Woodyard, who was living and working in Paris. Hampton was only 68 years old at the time of the recording and still had the reputation for wearing out men a third of his age on the bandstand; his enthusiasm is infectious from the opening number, "Ring Dem Bells," as he introduces each soloist in turn in a lively jam. Dany Doriz, the man who had instigated this session, joins Hampton on vibes for a spirited if brief run through "Seven Come Eleven." The leader also revisits old favorites such as his "Vibraphone Blues" (which includes some humorous commentary in addition to his vocal) and standards like "Blue Lou" and "On the Sunny Side of the Street" with the same vigor as when he first recorded them decades earlier. One surprise inclusion is Horace Silver's "Psychedelic Sally," which turns into an extended workout with one hot chorus inspiring yet another. The players mesh very well and each of the soloists is in top form when called upon. Although Lionel Hampton recorded frequently in the second half of the 1970s, this pickup session is among the best of the two dozen or so releases made during this period of his career. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
