Additional information
Personnel includes: Lionel Hampton (vocals, vibraphone, piano); Arnett Cobb (tenor saxophone); Charlie Fowlkes (baritone saxophone); Joe Wilder, Wendell Culley, Lamar Wright (trumpet); Andrew Penn, Al Hayse (trombone); Milt Bruckner (piano); Billy Mackel (guitar); Ted Sinclair (bass); Curley Hamner (drums). Personnel: Lionel Hampton (vocals, piano, vibraphone, drums); Billy Mackel (guitar); Jackie Kelso (clarinet); Ben Kynard, Bobby Plater (alto saxophone); Johnny Griffin, Arnett Cobb (tenor saxophone); Charlie Fowlkes (baritone saxophone); Lammar Wright, Jr., Joe Morris , Joe Wilder, Wendell Culley, Jimmy Nottingham (trumpet); Michael Booty Wood, Andrew Penn, Al Hayse, Jimmy Wormick, Booty Wood (trombone); Dan Burley, Milt Buckner (piano); Curley Hamner, George Jenkins (drums). Liner Note Author: Anatol Schenker. Recording information: Los Angeles, CA (01/30/1946-09/23/1946); New York, NY (01/30/1946-09/23/1946). Director: Lionel Hampton. Unknown Contributor Roles: Curley Hamner; George Jenkins; Duke Garrette; Joe Wilder; Johnny Griffin; Milt Buckner; Arnett Cobb; Booty Wood. Arranger: Bobby Plater. The bulk of this CD features the Lionel Hampton Big Band, an exciting orchestra that had roots in swing and was open to the influence of bebop, but also helped set the stage for somewhat exhibitionistic R&B. With a screaming trumpet section that included Jimmy Nottingham, Joe Wilder, and Leo "The Whistler" Shepherd (all who could play first trumpets) and both Arnett Cobb and Johnny Griffin on tenors, along with such soloists as trombonist Booty Wood, pianist Milt Buckner, and Hampton himself, this must have been a very difficult ensemble to defeat in "battle of the bands" contests. Best among the big band selections are "Cobb's Idea," "Adam Blew His Hat," and "Playboy." Also on this easily enjoyable disc are a quintet set that showcases Hampton's vibes and an octet session drawn from the big band that plays four songs, including "Double Talk" and "Jack the Fox Boogie." ~ Scott Yanow
