The Jazz Show Episode May 22, 2017

Trombonist/composer/arranger Slide Hampton and His Orchestra: "Sister Salvation"

9:04pm - 12:39am

Trombonist Locksley Wellington Hampton was nicknamed "Slide" as he mastered the trombone. Slide mastered other horns as well but also writing and arranging. He formed a hip working band in the early 60s called "The Slide Hampton Octet". Eight strong pieces but when budgets and circumstances allowed, Slide would augment the Octet for a bigger sound. It is thus with this album called "Sister Salvation" A few horns are added for a bigger sound and more involved writing. The results are a very disciplined recording but even with the tight ensembles and nice background riffs, the air of a small group prevails with lots of inspired solos by a young Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophone master George Coleman, powerhouse baritone saxist Jay Cameron, Bernard McKinney (aka Kaine Zawadi) on euphonium and Slide Hampton himself on trombone. There is no guitar or piano in the rhythm section but Nabil (Nobby) Totah is a powerful bassist and Pet LaRoca (aka Peter Sims) is a killer drummer. This is a satisfying album for it's combination of small group freedom and the discipline of a big band all thanks to Slide Hampton. Of the 6 tunes, Slide arranged four and composed 3 of the pieces including the gospel flavoured title tune. Randy Weston's "Hi-Fly" is rendered a fine arrangement by Billy Frazier and George Coleman's arrangement of Gigi Gryce's "Minority" is a standout. Sister Salvation is refreshing and fun date and it's nice to know that Slide is still with us.

Track Listing:

Sister Salvation
Slide Hampton · Sister Salvation
Just Squeeze me
Slide Hampton · Sister Salvation
Hi-Fly
Slide Hampton · Sister Salvation
Asseveration
Slide Hampton · Sister Salvation
Minority
Slide Hampton · Sister Salvation
A Little Night Music
Slide Hampton · Sister Salvation
Nica's Tempo
Gigi Gryce · The Hap'nin's
Minority
Gigi Gryce · The Hap'nin's
Amanda
Duke Pearson · Wahoo.
Hold 'Em Joe
Sonny Rollins · Sonny On Impulse
Three Little Words
Sonny Rollins · Sonny On Impulse
Riot
Herbie Hancock · Speak Like A Child
Speak Like A Child
Herbie Hancock · Speak Like A Child
Nommo
Lee Morgan · Lee Morgan at The Lighthouse
The Sidewinder
Lee Morgan · Lee Morgan at The Lighthouse
Bags' Groove
The Modern Jazz Quartet · The MJQ and Guests
Billie's Bounce
The Modern Jazz Quartet · The MJQ and Guests
His April Touch
Billy Childs · His April Touch
New World Disorder
Billy Childs · His April Touch
Topsy
Jimmy Giuffre · Western Suite.