Live at the Metropole Cafe, New York City (1989)

About this title: Although Lionel Hampton is heard on these live dates at the head of a big band, the vibraphonist takes nearly all of the solo space on the 11 selections included on this CD. Pinnoccio James has two vocals and tenor saxophonist Andrew McGhee stretches out on "Flying Home," but otherwise this is very much a Hampton showcase. Even on the ten minutes-plus of "Blues for Gertie," it is virtually all Hamp. Fortunately, the vibraphonist is in exuberant and hard-swinging form, so his renditions of "After You've Gone," "How High the Moon" and some basic originals are worth hearing. The backup band ... read more

Tracks:

1. After You've Gone [Creamer/Layton]
2. It's All Right With Me [Porter]
3. Alexander's Ragtime Band [Berlin]
4. Rebecca, Rebecca [Turner]
5. Blues for Gertie
6. Flying Home [Goodman/Hampton/Rob]
7. McGhee [Hampton/McGee]
8. Lonesome Nights (Take My Word)
9. How High the Moon [Hamilton/Lewis]
10. Mr. John [Hampton]
11. America by Night (Mr. 'J')

Note: This is a general synopsis. Each listing is further described below.