Doc Cheatham Eminence

One of the great entertainers, Cab Calloway was a household name by 1932, and never really declined in fame. A talented jazz singer and a superior scatter, Calloway's gyrations and showmanship on-stage at the Cotton Club sometimes overshadowed the quality of his always excellent bands.

For their sixth Concord recording, there was a major change in the personnel of the Cheathams' Sweet Baby Blues Band. Jimmie Noone, Jr. had passed away, and his replacement was the popular tenor Rickey Woodard, who on this set also plays some effective alto and clarinet (the latter on "Buddy Bolden's Blues"). But Woodard is only one of a bunch of colorful soloists, which include pianist/singer Jeannie Cheatham, Jimmy Cheatham on bass trombone, altoist Curtis Peagler, Snooky Young and Nolan Smith on trumpets, baritonist Dinky Morris and guest Frank Wess on tenor and flute. With bassist Red Callender and drummer John "Ironman" Harris keeping the ensembles swinging and driving, this is a particularly memorable set..

This time around, the Cheathams' guest is altoist/singer Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson - a perfect choice, since his ability to play both blues and Kansas City swing/bop is similar to the style of the Sweet Baby Blues Band. Although the emphasis is on swinging blues, there are a few departures, including Jeannie Cheatham's wistful vocal on "Detour Ahead," and a hot instrumental "Homeward Bound." In addition to Vinson and Jeannie (a splendid pianist), soloists include the tenors of Jimmie Noone, Jr. (doubling on clarinet) and Dinky Morris, altoist Curtis Peagler, trumpeter Snooky Young and bass trombonist Jimmy Cheatham. Not to be overlooked are bassist Red Callender and drummer John "Ironman" Harris. But it is the heated and riffing ensembles, along with the pure joy this band generates, that make all of their Concord recordings easily recommended.

Lionel Hampton All Star Band - Live At Newport '78 (1978) {2015 Japan Timeless Jazz Master Collection Complete Series CDSOL-63}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 249 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 89 Mb
Full Artwork @ 600 dpi (png) -> 265 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1978, 2015 Timeless Records / Solid Records Japan / Ultra-Vibe | CDSOL-6372
Jazz / Mainstream Jazz / Big Band / Swing / Vibes

Reissue with the latest remastering. Features original cover artwork. Comes with a descripton in Japanese. Lionel Hampton was the first jazz vibraphonist and was one of the jazz giants beginning in the mid-'30s. He has achieved the difficult feat of being musically open-minded (even recording "Giant Steps") without changing his basic swing style.

The most famous and probably greatest jazz baritonist of all time, Gerry Mulligan was a giant. A flexible soloist who was always ready to jam with anyone from Dixielanders to the most advanced boppers, Mulligan brought a somewhat revolutionary light sound to his potentially awkward and brutal horn and played with the speed and dexterity of an altoist. Mulligan started on the piano before learning clarinet and the various saxophones.