Five-Star Collection... Hampton, Tatum and Rich

Lionel Hampton • Art Tatum • Buddy Rich

The Lionel Hampton • Art Tatum • Buddy Rich Trio

Offhand, it would seem a somewhat unlikely threesome to find together as a trio — Art Tatum, the brilliantly fluid pianist; Lionel Hampton, the energetic and hard-hitting vibraharpist, and drummer Buddy Rich, the phenomenally gifted percussionist-showman. The reasons are obvious enough. Tatum, for one thing, customarily finds himself in more tranquil surroundings as the soloist with a trio for which he, Tatum, sets the pace. Although both Hampton and Rich have made numerous recordings with smaller units, they are generally thought of as big-band men — and men of big sound. 

Put the three together, Hamp, Tatum and Buddy, and the result is bound to be musically interesting. In this case what emerges is an album in which mutual respect plays a dominant role — the aim, clearly, was in the direction of unity rather than individual glory by any one artist. From this comes a happy sort of teamwork as well as first-rate work by each member of the trio, both in solos — and this album has them in abundance — and in background for the solos.

*Norman Granz (from the liner notes)*

A superbly relaxed and tasteful set of conversations by Lionel, Art, and Buddy. Hampton — eschewing all the tawdry noisemaking he indulges in with his own band — plays here some of his best, most consistently inventive vibes in years. I would, however, have liked more Tatum solo work. Tatum is exhilarating, and seems freer in this trio context than he usually is when not by himself.

Rich is flawless. Except for the few where assertiveness is called for, Buddy's drumming is light though firm and marvelously unobtrusive. Drummers who act as though all is lost without an overriding cymbal should listen to Buddy in several places here with care. Recorded sound is good. This is the kind of trialogue that is not likely ever to lose its glow, a glow born of the many years of maturating experience collected in these three careers. As for swinging, this, gentlemen, is time. *Nat Hentoff (Down Beat, August 8, 1956 [5 stars])*

1 - Perdido

(Juan Tizol, Hans Lengsfelder, Ervin Drake)

2 - Hallelujah

(Vincent Youmans, Leo Robin, Clifford Grey)

3 - I'll Never Be The Same

(Frank Signorelli, Matty Malneck, Gus Kahn)

4 - How High The Moon

(Nancy Hamilton, Morgan Lewis)

5 - What Is This Thing Called Love

(Cole Porter)

6 - More Than You Know

(Vincent Youmans, Billy Rose, Edward Eliscu)

7 - Makin' Whoopee

(Walter Donaldson, Gus Kahn)

Lionel Hampton (vibes), Art Tatum (piano), Buddy Rich (drums).

Recorded at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles, California, August 1, 1955