Hamp Serves Gin for Christmas, Then Flies Home

Here are two songs that Lionel Hampton recorded in 1939 and that are in the holiday spirit (or more precisely, into the holiday spirits) - "Gin for Christmas" and its inevitable successor, "The Heebie Jeebies Are Rockin' the Town."

In that year, Hamp was a member of the Benny Goodman aggregation, appearing as part of the Goodman Sextet with such notables as guitarist Charlie Christian. Starting in 1937, he made dozens of records under his own name for Victor, including today's duo. These were issued as being by the "Lionel Hampton Orchestra," but that was a catch-all name for a variety of small studio groups, at least until Hamp left Goodman to form his own big band in 1940.

"Gin for Christmas" is a Hampton-penned instrumental made primarily with members of the Goodman band, including trumpeter Ziggy Elman, alto saxophonist Toots Mondello, tenor saxophonist Jerry Jerome and bass player Artie Bernstein. Also in the ensemble are tenor Ben Webster, who would soon join Duke Ellington, and Al Casey, then with Fats Waller. All can be heard on this lively riff number. Hamp appears as the raucous drummer.

For the "Heebie Jeebies" side, Hampton turns vocalist and vibraphonist. The band includes such luminaries as Henry "Red" Allen on trumpet, J.C. Higginbotham on trombone and Earl Bostic on alto sax. Guitarist Charlie Christian also is on board.

These records come from October 1939. That same month, Hampton made the first recording of what may be his most famous composition, "Flying Home," with the Goodman Sextet. I've included that record in the download. Note in particular the superb Charlie Christian solo.

But it wasn't until May 1942 that Hampton was to set down its most famous rendition, made with his big band. That recording became one of the most influential of the decade, and a seminal moment in the birth of rhythm 'n' blues. I've added it to this post as a bonus.

The Decca "Flying Home" is a riff tune arranged either by pianist Milt Buckner or by Hamp himself (sources differ). It is very much in the Basie tradition, with a difference - it featured perhaps the earliest and most famous honking tenor sax solo, with the 19-year-old Illinois Jacquet playing a repeated note for an entire chorus. Adding to the excitement is Hampton and screaming lead trumpeter Ernie Royal trading licks - not to mention the roaring section riffs from the trombones and saxes. The loud and flamboyant playing inspired a legion of extroverted tenor players and brash arrangements, which were popular even into the 1950s.

Underrated aspects of this performance are the powerful rhythm section, led by Lester Young's brother, drummer Lee Young, and the arrangement's low-end underpinning - not just Young, Buckner and bass player Vernon Alley, but the trombones and baritone saxophonist Jack McVea. All these add up to a classic in jazz - and R&B.

More about the genesis of "Flying Home" here.

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