Cobb’s Idea – 1950
Lionel Hampton
A typically exciting performance by Hampton’s big band
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Lionel Hampton always knew how to put on a show that would excite audiences.
While other big bands were breaking up in the late 1940s, Hampton kept his going by incorporating aspects of rhythm and blues, using colorul choreography, and often going over the top in his desire to stir up his audience.
During the three minutes of this filmed version of “Cobb’s Idea,” Hampton plays drums and vibes, struts around the stage, and encourages his sidemen.
There is a short trumpet solo, a young Betty Carter scats for half a chorus, one of Hampton’s trombonists screams through his horn a bit, and the band plays some rousing ensembles.
One could only imagine what it would have been like to have heard this band play this riff piece for ten minutes before an audience.
-Scott Yanow
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