Backgrounder: Lionel Hampton, 'Bossa Nova Jazz'

Bossa Nova Jazz: Lionel Hampton All Stars shouldn't work, but it does. Just looking at the album cover without hearing it leads you to assume that the bossa nova would be a stretch for a swinger and jump-blueser like Hampton. But its authenticity and sensuality exceeds expectations every time I put it on. It's really Bobby Plater's album.

Recorded in September and October of 1963 for Hampton's own Glad Hamp label (and issued in Japan on Nippon Columbia), his all-stars included Bobby Plater on flute, alto saxophone and baritone saxophone; Lionel Hampton on vibes; Judd Woldin on piano; Jose Paulo on guitar and vocal; Lawrence “Skinny" Burgan on bass; Don Michaels on drums; Danny Barrajanos on conga and Carmen Costa on vocals. The arrangements were by Judd Woldin.

Here's the complete Bossa Nova Jazz: Lionel Hampton All Stars, without ads...