I sadly report the passing of REAL jazz giant Lionel Hampton at the age of 94.

Play music today, but try and avoid the smooth jazz. This man WAS jazz.

I don't have a black flag, so I will hang a black sock or t-shirt on my front door.


Toasted Almond

I will have to listen to the Allstars CD tonight.

The man had that indefinable something.
The joy of the moment and the music radiated from him.
Truly the gift of good vibes ....

I remember seeing him on TV when I was little. The way he held the sticks, mallets or whatever you call them was uncanny. They were like extensions of his hands, like longer fingers coming out. And the way he moved back and forth, hands dancing over the vibraphone was a joy to watch. You could tell he really enjoyed it. I know I've got some somewhere, I will listen to him later today. He will be missed.

Sad day indeed. No programing change will be called for. Smooth Jazz is not allowed in my house. Unless we are talkin' Miles and that is "smooth" only in the respect it has on the listener to so easily lose one's self and not due to the simplistic nature of the music itself. Miles presented complex ideas in a way that was enjoyable, if not always understood at first glance.

MikE

Hey Toasted

I am really Sorry to hear about Hampton.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting him.
Moreover Playing with him in jam sessions several times.

In 1967 I was stationed on Taiwan in the USAF and was playing with a band we threw together. We won a talent show at the NCO club and were selected to open the Hampton USO show touring the Far East. Hampton loved us and let us open several of his shows there n Taiewan. We had the chance to jam with the band after the shows. I have some great photos of the shows and pictures of us and Hamp.

I have a Reel2Reel tape one of the guys with an Akai recorder made of the Hampton show.

Hampton was a Class Act not to mention being a Wonderful Ambassador and a Incredible Human being.

He will be greatly missed.

~Shadow~

I apologize for the spelling errors in the previous post. The dog jumped up and I accidently posted before I proof read.
I was trying to type Taiwan.

~Shadow~

Shadow,

Incredible! Post those photos man!

Toasted Almond

Hey Toasted

I am on Web TV and don't have a scanner. However I will try to figure something out. We recently moved and are trying to sift through all the Pack Rat stuff before winter. When I locate the scrap book with the photos I will see what I can do.

Man that was in another Galaxy Far Far away LOL.

~Shadow~

Loud and clear on the galaxy. Most of my stuff feels like it occured in another lifetime.

Toasted Almond

Hey Toasted

It's a sad day, indeed. I never got a chance to see him live, only on TV (Tonight Show, etc.).

My dad has several albums that unfortunately are too damaged to play, but thinking of them brings back memories of getting together with many of the local (Minneapolis) jazz biggies for listening/jam sessions.

Hampton will truly be missed. (Along with so many other jazz legends who are no longer with us.)

Here's one for all of them.:beerchug:

:D Happy Listening:cool:

George