Teddy Charles - Salute To Hamp '1958/2014

Tracks list

All vibraphonists owe a debt of gratitude to Lionel Hampton for paving the way
in traditional and modern jazz, pioneering the instrument as more than in an
accompanist role or being heard only in lounges. In his heyday, Teddy Charles
was a prime example of taking Hamptons approach to a different level, eventually
in hard and post-bop, but here he takes swing era tunes of Hamps, changing up or
editing their melodic structures with a quartet featuring pianist Hank Jones,
and a larger ensemble with horn complement.

This album as reissued on CD is known as Salute to Hamp and subtitled The
Vibraphone Players of Bethlehem, Vol. 1 as issued originally on the Bethlehem
label, reissued by Avenue Jazz. It showcases Charles, not so much in an
evolutionary fashion, but as a complete performer and bandleader. He is a
singularly unique jazzman who anyone can appreciate, and is quite able to hold
interest of listeners beyond conventional wisdom of what well-worn standards can
sound like with just a little inspiration and soul. Typical tunes like Air Mail
Special and Flying Home from Hamptons book are given a minor twist or modified
turn with the hot horns of trombonist Bob Brookmeyer, tenor saxophonist Zoot
Sims, and trumpeter Art Farmer included. The flugelhornist leads out on a
heartfelt rendition of Stardust wit the other horns laying back in keen
observance. A slimmed down duet between Charles and bassist Addison Farmer on
the ballad Hes Gone Again shows the ultimate restraint, while the classy
four-piece combo fronted by Jones and Charles swing easily during On the Sunny
Side of the Street as if it is second nature. A playful fourteenth run through
of Stompin at the Savoy is included as well as the main take, the former more
true to the original melody line with the other straying off the path nicely.
Charles wrote Blue Hamp as a 12-bar, vibes led, truly cool and nonchalant jam.
There are also two versions of Jack the Bellboy, also credited in other issues
of this album as Jake the Bellboy. Either way its a furious bopper for the trio
of vibes, bass, and drums, with Jones in late, and the alternate third take with
a different approach to the bridge. Charles would leave the music business
shortly after this date, to return briefly nearly three decades later. For jazz
fans who may have missed a chance to hear a truly great musician in his prime,
buy this recording and do some catching up.

Tracks:

01 - Air Mail Special
02 - Midnight Sun
03 - On The Sunny Side Of The Street
04 - Hes Gone Again
05 - Stompin At The Savoy
06 - Flying Home
07 - Stardust
08 - Blue Hamp
09 - Moonglow
10 - On The Sunny Side Of The Street (Alt. Take) (bonus track)
11 - Stompin At The Savoy (Take 14) (bonus track)
12 - Moonglow (Take 4) (bonus track)
13 - Blue Hamp (Take 5) (bonus track)
14 - Jack The Bellboy (Take 2) (bonus track)
15 - Jack The Bellboy (Take 3) (bonus track)

Personnel:

Teddy Charles - vibes
Art Farmer - trumpet
Bob Brookmeyer - trombone & piano
Zoot Sims - tenor sax
Addison Farmer - bass
Ed Thigpen - drums
Hank Jones - piano
Charlie Smith - drums

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