Vinyl Hampdin: Red

In the last half century popular American music has been dominated by groups comprised principally of electronic rhythm instruments, amplified lead guitars, augmented bass guitars, multi-unit percussion kits, and elaborate keyboard setups, which have borne the musical load alongside various vocal soloists and ensembles. Occasionally, we might hear an eight-bar solo from a tenor saxophonist, rarely one from a trumpeter, almost never from a trombonist, and at virtually no time from an arranged, harmonized horn section.

Following the onslaught of rock music and electronic rhythm instruments came a virtual abandonment of traditional band instruments whose sound enriched all American musics from the blues, Dixieland, and swing styles that characterized the hits of the initial recordings in the 20's to the vocal and instrumental pop standards, which built the record business into a major industry.

Daring departures from the dictates of powerful A & R recording executives occurred when Blood Sweat & Tears, Chicago, and Tower of Power incorporated acoustic brass instruments and achieved considerable success. Now we have a new group—Vinyl Hampdin-turning again to an album of arranged orchestral music with a compelling result.

The group's debut CD Red, featuring arrangements by trombonist/composer/arranger Steve Wiest and sporting alumni musicians from the bands of Maynard Ferguson and Carmen McRae, produces an epic session. The melodies of Stevie Wonder ("Superstition"), Bonnie Raitt ("The Road's My Middle Name"), and Paul McCartney ("My Love") obtain new dimension with Wiest's glowing arrangements.

Hearing from veterans such as trumpeter Frank Greene, baritone saxophonist Art Bolton, tenor saxophonist/flutist Ray Herrman and trumpeter Frank David, along with accompanying vocalist Lisa Dodd and a powerful rhythm section in arrangement after blockbuster arrangement of orchestral richness constitutes a long sought-for experience for listeners of all music.