Customer Reviews

Green Leaves of Summer

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It was Summer 1964. I was laying on the floor of the front room of our house in Riverside CA one Saturday morning listening to a Jazz Radio show out of LA. The DJ said something about Hampton Hawes's "latest" release. The piece he played was "Green Leaves of Summer".

When I heard Hamp's first note, I sat up as if commanded by God himself and didn't move until the performance ended. I have loved this man and his music ever since.

Buy the album. What the hell, you're not going to live forever. Set aside an evening where you're by yourself with your thoughts about your life, your loves, ... As in church or symagogue, you don't need a glass of wine to get lost in the moment, but if you're so inclined, it won't hurt.

When you're settled and ready to communicate with God, start playing "The Green Leaves of Summer", and wait for that first note.

I'm not certain what else I can add to what's already been written? Let me just say, I already own a good number of Hampton Hawes releases. This has already jumped to the top of the heap. I should have bought this cd many years ago. You won't be disappointed.

This is absolutely one of the finest piano trio cds of all time. Hamp recorded it not long after serving five years at a federal prison (presidential pardon compliments of JFK)and it expresses the pure joy of freedom along with the sadness of time lost. Hawes is one of the true originals who combines lyricism with intense rhythmic drive. "Green Leaves" thrills the listener because it sounds like what it is: the release of a great spirit!