A superb two-CD survey of one of jazz’ all-time greats, Lionel Hampton – the virtuoso of the vibes.

Lionel Hampton (1908-2002) was a true giant of jazz, a flamboyant showman who was an indefatigable bandleader, drummer, pianist, singer and, above all, the most famous vibraphone player in jazz history – the first to use it as other than a novelty.

Retrospective’s tribute 'Flying Home' (his band’s signature tune) offers well over one-and-a-half hours of his finest recorded work of the 30s and 40s, covering all aspects of his virtuosity.

Classic after classic features his electrifying solos, unstoppable dynamism, astonishing enthusiasm and sheer love of life and music. Included is his first vibes solo, with Louis Armstrong in 1930, and six tracks with Benny Goodman’s Quartet from 1936/8. The group recordings Lionel Hampton led during the late 30s featured the most astonishing array of jazz talent (Johnny Hodges, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Jonah Jones, Ziggy Elman, Dizzy Gillespie), and resulted in a superlative series, from which 27 absolute classics have been selected. During the 40s, Hampton led one of the most successful and long-lasting of all big bands, unparalleled for sheer excitement. Of these, nine roof-raisers, such as Air Mail Special, have been included.

In addition to the many fine examples of Hampton’s vibraphone virtuosity (including his phenomenal Stardust solo), he is heard as a top-flight drummer (Drum Stomp, Jack The Bellboy); as a unique pianist with an extraordinary percussive, two-fingered attacking style (Wizzin’ The Wiz, Twelfth Street Rag); and as an endearing, if limited, singer (After You’ve Gone).

Contents:
CD 1
1. Flying Home
2. Memories Of You
3. Stompin’ At The Savoy
4. Moonglow
5. Runnin’ Wild
6. Jivin’ The Vibes
7. Buzzin’ Around With The Bee
8. Stompology
9. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
10. Rhythm, Rhythm
11. China Stomp
12. I Know That You Know
13. Avalon
14. The Man I Love
15. Drum Stomp
16. After You’ve Gone
17. Ring Dem Bells
18. Don’t Be That Way
19. The Blues In Your Flat . . . The Blues In My Flat
20. I’m In The Mood For Swing
21. Shoe Shiner’s Drag
22. Muskrat Ramble
23. Down Home Jump
24. It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing

CD 2
1. Sweethearts On Parade
2. Shufflin’ At The Hollywood
3. Wizzin’ The Wizz
4. The Jumpin’ Jive
5. Twelfth Street Rag
6. When Lights Are Low
7. One Sweet Letter From You
8. Hot Mallets
9. I can’t get started
10. Gin For Christmas
11. Dinah
12. Central Avenue Breakdown
13. Jack The Bellboy
14. Hamp’s Boogie Woogie
15. Hey, Ba-Ba-Re-Bop!
16. Air Mail Special
17. Cobb’s Idea
18. How High The Moon
19. Three Minutes On 52nd Street
20. Stardust (End)
21. Red Top
22. Mingus Fingers
23. Midnight Sun
24. Rag Mop