Customer Reviews

Four! Hampton Hawes!!!! [Vinyl]

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Hampton Hawes was the house pianst for Contemporary Records, that LA-based jazz label in the 50's and 60's. I first heard him on several other artist's albums, and since he stood out, I decided to give "Four" a listen. This is a great album!

Hawes has been compared to Horace Silver, but he is much more adventurous as an improvisor than Silver was. He has a sort-of stacatto sound that is similar to Silver's, but can really strech out.

This album is vintage. His sidemen (Barney Kessel on guitar, Red Mitchell bass, Shelly Manne drums) are outstanding and the band really cooks. The first track, Yardbird Suite, has a looser, bouncier feel than any rendition that I have heard and it really swings. Other outstanding tracks include Thou Swell, There Will Never Be Another You. He is really better on up-tempo numbers - the ballads aren't quite up to the same level here.

This is a great record that deserves several listenings!

Our local jazz station played a cut from this album and I ordered it right away. I have not been disappointed. I can listen to this CD over and over again without tiring of it. It is bright, uplifting music, and very well executed. I highly recommend it.