Transition - Buddy Rich & Lionel Hampton (1974)
ideated from: 1974 was a great year for jazz
Lionel Hampton pioneered the vibraphone as a jazz instrument. The vibraphone is not the kind of instrument that immediately steals your attention, but Hampton could move to center stage with it and keep it there.
Rich (o_O) was, of course, billed as the world’s greatest drummer. But part of why he was so great was that he wasn’t just a show-off. It would not be hard for a drummer to drown out and upstage a vibraphonist, but Rich never gives into the temptation until it’s clearly his turn to shine.
This is a great session that features both leaders (as well as saxophonist Zoot Sims) doing top notch work. The second side of the album adds more musicans to the main ones, nearly doubling the size of the band and adding electric piano and more funky low end.
Tracks I Liked
Avalon - a great nimble lead from Hampton
Ham Hock Blues - old-timey bluesy jam that just keeps cooking. Rich’s best contribution on here, for my money
