Everybody Likes Hampton Hawes: Vol. 3, The Trio

This is another great recording by Hampton Hawes whose Bud Powell-influenced piano is in fine form. I think anyone interested in Hawes should try and pickup everything he's done. You won't be sorry, because the music swings and that's what matters. He is also quite good on ballads, which shows a completely different side of any musician. Hawes is joined by his then usual trio of Red Mitchell and Chuck Thompson. Another stellar release from Hampton.

Cool! Hampton is so cool! Own all Everybody likes now - mil gracias.

This is Hawes third album as a leader and while the first two were five star albums (in my opinion), this one tops them. Or at least is as good. I wish there were sound samples to convey the power of Hawes' playing and how tight his rhythm section is. In fact, one of the reasons why I think this tops the previous ones is he, bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Chuck Thompson had hit their stride.It would be difficult for me to pick a single track, but since I have run through this album twice before writing this review I would pick Body and Soul. Of course, I am fickle enough to change my mind the next time I play the album, and there is one excellent track after the other from which to choose.Like the previous two albums this one has an interesting set list. Tracks 2 and 10 are Hawes' own compositions, track 5 is a bebop piece (Hawes has at least one on each of the albums in this set), with a traditional tune (track 8) and the rest standards. One reason why I love the songs selected is I can listen to Hawes in a number of different contexts. He comes across as having the ability to play any genre given him, and does it with both style and authenticity.This album was recorded for Contemporary at their Los Angeles studios on January 25, 1956. That was the same session that produced the previous album in this series, and it's remarkable that they were able to knock out two high energy, excellent albums in a single session.

Great Jazz trios are a rarity these days, it's really good to know that there was time when Jazz was truly played at a very high level and artistic expression was the genuine real thing!

ジャケットデザインにひかれて購入して、レッド・ガーランドの「ＧＲＯＯＶＹ」,トミー・フラナガンの「OVERSEAS」を聴いた時以来の感覚で聴いています。アナログ盤の入手がなかなか難しいことが残念。