Album: Jazz in Paris: Ring Dem Vibes

Overview
"Jazz in Paris: Ring Dem Vibes" is a compilation album released in 2000 as part of allure in Paris series. The album features the legendary jazz vibraphone gamer and bandleader, Lionel Hampton, along with his European quintet. Allure in Paris series intended to showcase American jazz musicians who had actually made considerable contributions to the category during their stay in Paris. The collection highlights the amazing musicianship of Lionel Hampton and his quintet throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, solidifying his reputation as an amazing force in the world of jazz.

Background
Lionel Hampton was born in 1908 in Louisville, Kentucky. A self-taught artist, Hampton started his profession as a drummer and percussionist prior to discovering his affinity for the vibraphone. At first working under leading bandleaders such as Benny Goodman and Louis Armstrong, Hampton eventually formed his own eponymous huge band, turning into one of the most popular jazz artists of his time. His time in Paris showed to be really worthwhile, resulting in many partnerships with European musicians and more direct exposure to the European jazz scene. This compilation concentrates on his time throughout this stage of his career, exploring the superb music he produced in the city.

Track List
Jazz in Paris: Ring Dem Vibes includes eleven tracks that exude the traditional Lionel Hampton' sound-- balanced, energetic, and undeniably swinging, with a mix of ballads and positive numbers. The album includes:

1. Ring Dem Bells
2. Air Mail Special
3. Blue Lou
4. On the Sunny Side of the Street
5. Stardust
6. Confessin'
7. Flying Home
8. Je Ne Sais Pas
9. Roll 'em
10. Satin Doll
11. Jack The Bellboy

The selection represents a mix of self-penned works by Hampton as well as jazz requirements and structures by other well-known jazz musicians.

Secret Features and Collaborators
Throughout the album, Hampton's virtuoso vibraphone playing takes center stage, in addition to his contributions as a pianist, drummer, and bandleader. The European quintet accompanying Hampton includes saxophonist Bobby Jaspar, trumpeter Nat Peck, guitar player Rene Thomas, bassist Jimmy Woode, and drummer Curley Hamner. Their tight ensemble playing and excellent solos add to the album's captivating appeal.

On "Je Ne Sais Pas", a beautiful French ballad, the chemistry between Jaspar and Hampton is on complete display, with the 2 effortlessly weaving in and out of each other's solos. Conversely, the album opener, "Ring Dem Bells", showcases the band's intense energy and capability to ignite the audience with their infectious and ruthless swing.

Significance and Legacy
"Jazz in Paris: Ring Dem Vibes" is an essential listen for any jazz enthusiast or fan of Lionel Hampton's music. The album supplies an informative glimpse into the excellent vibraphonist's work in Paris, showcasing his ability to create thrilling efficiencies that interested audiences worldwide.

Listening to the album today, it appears that Lionel Hampton laid the groundwork for future jazz vibraphonists such as Milt Jackson, Gary Burton, and Bobby Hutcherson, helping to develop the vibraphone as an integral and compelling instrument in the jazz landscape.

Throughout its eleven tracks, "Jazz in Paris: Ring Dem Vibes" encapsulates the high-octane swing and artistry of Lionel Hampton and his collaborators, guaranteeing it stays a vital entry in the jazz canon.