Customer Reviews

Complete Sessions

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Hampton Hawes was and remains one of the two or three most important piano improvisers to come out of the west coast. His legacy would be even larger had he spent more time back east, but his important position is secure nonetheless.

Equally important is the bassist Red Mitchell, who joins Hawes and drummer Chuck Thompson in this collection of recordings from 1955 and 1956, an essential set of recordings for all who value the contibutions of Hawes and Mitchell. For a time, Red Mitchell seemed to be everywhere, recording with numerous Los Angeles-based jazz groups, but Hawes was less widely recorded than, say, Russ Freeman, another outstanding jazz pinaist of that era. This two-CD set is a chance to explore Hampton Hawes' artistry.

The trio explores standards like "These Foolish Things", "Stella By Starlight" and "Autumn In New York", jazz compositions

like "Steeplechase", "'Round Midnight" and "A Night In Tunisia", and several Hawes compositions as well. The recording is intimate and simply done, the trio interacts easily, and Red Mitchell shows why his postion as the most important bassist of the era was well-deserved.

For those unfamiliar with the huge talent that was Hampton Hawes, this collection is perhaps the best introduction. For those already familiar with his talent and that of Red Mitchell, add this one to your library.