CiTR

This date which took place in New York in September of 1953 was really a Jazz summit meeting. The quartet had never played together before and these four great musicians just came together like fish to water. Nominally led by the pioneer of the vibes, the great Lionel Hampton at his musical best, devoid of all his usual showbiz trappings and just displaying his musical genius. Hampton is joined by Oscar Peterson on piano and both these virtuosos challenge and spar and parry with one another with incredible musicality. Ray Brown on bass provided the underpinning with his great sound and swing. Buddy Rich, who plays only brushes throughout provides the pulse and fire underneath the to main soloists. It is a true meeting of musical giants and the repertoire was simply chosen as they went along. Standards and a few Jazz favourites are there and all the tunes are familiar. What is done to these tunes is what makes the date so exceptional. Hamp, Oscar, Ray and Buddy at their inspired best!