After a break from listening to LPs, thanks to a busy autumn and a broken blog, I’m back, and this time, checking out The Complete Lionel Hampton (1937-1941).  Swingin’!

These recordings were taken from Bluebird sides, and they are all delightful.  You know that jazz from back in the day that’s way to fun to listen to, and you hardly notice how hip it is?  That’s this.  Just straight down the turnpike, swingin’, fun, toe-tappin’ music.  If you buy the Basie definition of jazz, which is “pat your foot,” then this is the epitome of jazz.  Six records of joy.

Lots of cats on this record, from Cootie Williams and Dizzy Gillespie to Gene Krupa and Sonny Greer.  Ok, I’m truncating the list for no good reason.  Imagine this, in addition to the above:

• Jess Stacy
• Rex Stewart
• Zutty Singleton
• Jo Jones
• Teddy Brown
• Lawrence Brown
• Shadow Wilson
• John Kirby
• Sid Catlett
• Vido Muso
• Johnny Hodges
• Harry James
• Jonah Jones
• Buster Bailey
• J.C. Higgenbotham
• Herschel Evans
• Budd Johnson
• Harry Carney
• Red Allen
• BenWebster
• Benny Carter
• Chu Berry
• Coleman Hawkins
• Cozy Cole
• Al Casey
• Nat “King” Cole
• Charlie Christian
• Earl Bostic

I mean, seriously…that’s insane.  All six records are swinging and great!