In an incredible
career that spanned almost 74 years, Lionel Hampton was the original "Mr.
Excitement," "Mr. Entertainment," and as one movie
called him, "Mr. Rock and Roll." From boogie to bop,
the "King of the Vibes" and "Boss of the Backbeat" was
an innovator and unparalleled jazz improviser who played with
everyone from Art Tatum to Chick Corea. "
Lionel Hampton: Jazz Legend" explores the life and music
of a genius whose performances caused such pandemonium and frenzy,
that one theater was thought to physically move during a performance
of "Flyin' Home."
With incisive narration by mallet giant Mike
Manieri and commentary by Hall of Fame drummer Steve Smith, "Lionel Hampton: Jazz
Legend" will present over 20 complete performances of Hampton's
many groups, from the 1930s through the 1990s, playing hits like "Airmail
Special," "Avalon," "Midnight Sun," "Hey-Ba-Ba-Re-Bop" and
others. And some of those performing along with Lionel include
Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Teddy Wilson, Betty Carter, Milt Buckner,
Louis Armstrong, Shelly Manne, Alan Freed, Woody Herman, Clark
Terry, Panama Francis and many, many more.
DVD extras will include a history
and development of the vibraphone, the instrument
that Lionel virtually introduced to jazz, a comprehensive listing
of the many "future stars" that passed through Hampton's
bands, and other features.
