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Vibraphonist Lionel Hampton, featured member of Benny Goodman’s Quartet from 1936 until 1940, scored a recording contract from Victor Records for recording small, all-star groups. These sessions were generally integrated, and the ensembles were comprised of musicians working with name big bands. Hamp’s session from January 1938 has “Don’t Be That Way” composer Edgar Sampson on baritone sax, along with Ellingtonian’s Johnny Hodges (alto sax) and Cootie Williams (trumpet). As one might expect, the results were formidable, small-band swing. By 1944 pianist Teddy Wilson had left the Goodman Quartet and was fronting his own units, both big and then smaller. A radio transcription date captured the band at a time when Wilson was not being commercially recorded, and the results are a delight, featuring the leader at his best with swinging trumpeter Emmett Berry and New Orleans clarinet master Edmond Hall.
Chris Tyle - Jazz Musician and Historian
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