Dive into the heart of West Coast jazz with "The Trio: Complete Sessions," a comprehensive collection of Hampton Hawes' trio recordings with bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Chuck Thompson. Released in 2006, this album is a treasure trove of hard bop and bebop genius, capturing the essence of Hampton Hawes' virtuosic piano playing and his band's impeccable chemistry.
Recorded between 1955 and 1956 in Los Angeles and New York, these sessions showcase Hawes' extraordinary talent and his deep understanding of jazz standards and blues. From the upbeat energy of "I Got Rhythm" and "Feelin' Fine" to the introspective beauty of "Stella by Starlight" and "Body and Soul," each track offers a unique perspective on Hawes' artistry.
With a running time of over two and a half hours, this album is a journey through the golden age of jazz, featuring 35 tracks that span a range of moods and styles. Whether you're a longtime fan of Hampton Hawes or a newcomer to his music, "The Trio: Complete Sessions" is an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection. The album's extensive tracklist includes both well-known standards and lesser-known gems, providing a comprehensive overview of Hawes' contributions to the jazz canon.
Hampton Hawes' playing is characterized by its technical brilliance, harmonic sophistication, and deep sense of swing. Throughout these sessions, he demonstrates his mastery of the piano, weaving intricate melodies and complex harmonies with ease. Mitchell and Thompson provide a solid rhythmic foundation, their playing complementing Hawes' improvisations perfectly.
"The Trio: Complete Sessions" is not just a collection of songs; it's a historical document that captures a pivotal moment in jazz history. The album's liner notes provide valuable context, offering insights into the recording sessions and the creative process behind the music. Whether you're a jazz historian, a casual listener, or a serious student of the genre, this album offers a wealth of information and inspiration.
So, grab a seat, turn up the volume, and prepare to be transported to the smoky jazz clubs of 1950s Los Angeles and New York. With "The Trio: Complete Sessions," you'll experience the magic of Hampton Hawes and his trio, live and in the studio.
2006 Gambit Records
Tracks
I Got Rhythm (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
What Is This Thing Called Love) (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Blues the Most (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
So in Love (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Feelin' Fine (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Hamp's Blues (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Easy Living (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
All The Things You Are (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
These Foolish Things (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Carioca (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Just Squeeze Me (Los Angeles, June 28, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Stella by Starlight (Los Angeles, December 3, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Yesterdays (Los Angeles, December 3, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Steeplechase (Los Angeles, December 3, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Autumn in New York (Los Angeles, December 3, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Section Blues (Los Angeles, December 3, 1955)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
You and the Night and the Music (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Blues for Jacque (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
'Round Midnight (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Somebody Loves Me (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
The Sermon (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Embraceable You (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
I Remember You (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
A Night in Tunisia (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Lover, Come Back to Me (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Polka Dots and Moonbeams (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Billy Boy (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
Body and Soul (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
Coolin' the Blues (Los Angeles, January 25, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
All the Things You Are (New York, May 15, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Chuck Thompson, Red Mitchell
I Got Rhythm (New York, May 15, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
How High the Moon (New York, May 15, 1956)Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Chuck Thompson
I Hear Music (Hollywood, May 2, 1955) [Bonus Track]Hampton Hawes, Red Mitchell, Mel Lewis
Walkin' (Laguna Beach, June 20, 1955) [Bonus Track]Hampton Hawes, Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell
The Champ (Laguna Beach, June 20, 1955) [Bonus Track]Hampton Hawes, Shelly Manne, Red Mitchell
Hampton Hawes was a pioneering American jazz pianist, celebrated for his distinctive blend of bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz. Born in Los Angeles in 1928, Hawes began his musical journey at a young age, playing with legendary musicians like Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Charles Mingus. His career took off in the 1950s, with a series of acclaimed albums on Contemporary Records, showcasing his unique interpretations and powerful touch. Hawes' music is characterized by its bluesy bebop style, with a strong and urgent rhythm that breathes life into every note. Beyond his musical achievements, Hawes' life story is one of resilience and redemption. His memoir, "Raise Up Off Me," offers a candid look at his struggles with addiction and his eventual pardon by President Kennedy in 1963. Hawes' legacy endures as a defining figure of West Coast jazz, leaving behind a rich discography that continues to inspire jazz enthusiasts worldwide.
Vinylscout
Hampton Hawes
