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The contrast in the bands of Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton could not have been more marked. The Ellington band, save for theinterventions of Duke and trumpeter Ray Nance, was all serious music - without superfluous prenentational devices to sweeten the pill.
Hampton's crew, on the other hand, reflected the exuberant character of its leader. Mixed in with much good playing were gimmicks galore. Bandsmen had to work hard for their pay, because apart from blwoing, they were expected to sway, clap, hand jive and chant in unison and generally look animated.
Meanwhile, Hamp was manipulating any instrument he could lay his hands on - vibes, piano, drums and flute. He would also sing, juggle his drumsticks and, to climax a percussive outburst, was apt to leap up on to his tall bass drum!
The Ellington orchestra's programme spotlights an edition of the long-running ensemble which had newcomer Clark Terry in the trumpet section and Willie Smith on alto sax in place of Johnny Hodges, who was off trying his hand in leadign a small group.
Hamp indulges in a crazy piano duet with Milt Buckner on "TV Specialm" juggles his drumsticks on "Cobb's Idea" and unleashes two of hsi saxmen for a tenor battle on "Air Mail Special." Betty "Bebop" Carter on "Cobb's Idea," and listen for a couple of Hamp vocals. Occasional soloists include Al Grey, Jerome Richardson, southpaw guitarist Billy Mackel, Milt Buckner, who does his best to collapse the piano stool on "Cobb's Idea," and trumpeter Benny Bailey soloing under a bebop beret.
It's all vastly entertaining; typically robust sounds and visual excitement from a leader who knew how to work his audience.
-Mark Gardner
Songs
Duke Ellington 1952
1. Sophisticated Lady
2. Caravan
3. The Mooche
4. VIP's Boogie
5. Solitude
6. Mood Indigo
7. The Hawk Talks
Lionel Hampton
8. Midnight Sun
9. Beulah's Boogie
10. Love You Like Mad, Love You Like Crazy
11. Ding Dong Baby
12. Cobb's Idea
13. Vibe Boogie
14. T.V. Special
15. Bongo Interlude
16. Air Mail Special
17. Slide Hamp Slide
18. Cares
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