Lionel Hampton Flying Home CD

Not to be confused with Lionel Hampton's 1954 studio album of the same name, Living Era's two-disc compilation, FLYING HOME, is an outstanding overview of the first 20 years of the iconic vibraphonist's career. The set begins with Hampton's debut on the vibraphone(1930's "Memories of You") and continues through his outstanding work with his own orchestra in the late-'40s.

In between there is plenty of dynamic swing, and lots of examples of Hamp's trailblazing approach to the vibes as a jazz instrument. Of particular note are the cuts by the Benny Goodman Quartet (which featured Hamp on vibes, Gene Krupa on drums, Teddy Wilson on piano, and Goodman on clarinet). A lovingly selected and assembled collection, FLYING HOME is one of the better Hampton compilations on the market, and serves as an excellent overview of his most vital years.

This 2-CD set is packed with classic after classic by the legendary vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, including his electrifying solos, unstoppable dynamics, astonishing enthusiasm and sheer love of music. This CD features his first vibes solo (with Louis Arm

Recorded between 1930 & 1949.

Personnel: Lionel Hampton (vocals, piano, vibraphone, drums); Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Joe Bailey (baritone); Bill Perkins (guitar, banjo); Eric Miller , Freddie Green, Irving Ashby, Allan Reuss, Oscar Moore, Barney Kessel, Wes Montgomery, Billy Mackel, Bobby Bennett, Al Casey (guitar); Charlie Christian (electric guitar); Ray Perry (violin, alto saxophone); Jack Kelson, Jr., Marshall Royal, Omer Simeon, Toots Mondello, Benny Carter , Charlie Holmes (clarinet, alto saxophone); Vido Musso (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Eddie Barefield, Edmond Hall, Benny Goodman, Buster Bailey (clarinet); Hymie Schertzer (bass clarinet, alto saxophone); Les Hite (alto saxophone, baritone saxophone); George Koenig, Earl Bostic, George Oldham, Herbie Fields, Gus Evans, Johnny Hodges, Marvin Johnson, Russell Procope, Willie Smith, Ben Kynard, Bobby Plater (alto saxophone); Chu Berry, Arthur Rollini, John Sparrow, Coleman Hawkins, Corky Corcoran, Dexter Gordon, Curtis Lowe, Jay Peters, Herschel Evans, Illinois Jacquet, Jerry Jerome, Johnny Board, Johnny Griffin, Al Sears, Arnett Cobb, Babe Russin, Ben Webster, Morris Lane, Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone); Edgar Sampson, Lonnie Shaw, Harry Carney, Jack McVea, Charlie Fowlkes (baritone saxophone); Cootie Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Ernie Royal, Roy McCoy, Irving "Mouse" Randolph, George Orendorff, Ed Mullens, Duke Garrette, Harry James, Walter Williams , David Page , Lammar Wright, Jr., Leo Shepard, Harold Scott, Karl George, Joe Morris , Joe Newman , Joe Wilder, Jonah Jones, Al Killian, Snooky Young, Teddy Buckner, Walter Fuller, Ziggy Elman, Wendell Culley, Jimmy Nottingham, Cat Anderson, Charlie Shavers (trumpet); Rex Stewart (cornet); Paul Lee , Harry Sloan, Fred Beckett, Andrew Penn, Al Hayse, Jimmy Wormick, James Robinson , Sonny Craven, John A. Morris, Al Grey, Lawrence Brown , Mezz Mezzrow, Benny Powell, Booty Wood, Britt Woodman (trombone); Doug Duke (piano, organ); Clyde Hart, Henry Prince, Spencer Odun, Jess Stacy, Milt Buckner, Nat King Cole, Teddy Wilson, Tommy Todd, Billy Kyle (piano); Earl "Bagga" Walker, Cozy Cole, Curley Hamner, Dave Tough, Fats Heard, Fred Radcliffe, Al Spieldock, Ellis Bartee, Gene Krupa, George Jenkins, Gordon Jenkins, Jo Jones , Lee Young, Alvin Burroughs, Sonny Greer, Zutty Singleton (drums).

Liner Note Author: Vic Bellerby.

Recording information: Chicago, IL (10/16/1930-12/29/1949); Civic Auditorium, Pasadena, CA (10/16/1930-12/29/1949); Hollywood, CA (10/16/1930-12/29/1949); Los Angeles, CA (10/16/1930-12/29/1949); New York, NY (10/16/1930-12/29/1949).

Personnel includes: Lionel Hampton (vibraphone); Louis Armstrong (trumpet); Benny Goodman (clarinet).