[Dixielandjazz] GNP Crescendo - Variety, January 8, 2014

[Stan Brager]

Thanks, Bill, for the pointer to Hamp's "Star Dust" on YouTube. If you're
not familiar with it, pick a moment when you can listen to all 15 minutes
without any distraction. Headphones recommended.

I'm happy that there are others who have put Hamp and the All-Stars version
of Stardust as the embodiment of what jazz is all about. 

Yet, today, in my mind, Slam Stewart quotes too pop songs and detracts from
the feeling of jazz. I used to snicker at Charlie Shavers for the sound he
gets when his solo takes him into his trumpet's low register - today, I
appreciate what he's doing. Lastly, as Hamp's solo winds down, I've always
heard and admired his transition to "The Man I Love" and return to
"Stardust".

What are your thoughts?

Stan

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Haesler [mailto:bhaesler at bigpond.net.au] 
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2014 2:27 PM
To: Stan Brager; Dixieland jazz mailing list
Cc: Dixieland Jazz Mailing List
Subject: [Dixielandjazz] GNP Crescendo - Variety, January 8, 2014

Stan Brager wrote:
> I grew up listening to Gene Norman ... One of the first Norman recordings
I bought was a concert he produced at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in 1947
featuring Lionel Hampton and the All Stars. 

Dear Stan,
I grew up not listening to 'the Cresendos' so, sadly, it was quite a few
years before I heard that Hampton "Stardust".
For those listmates who are wondering what we are talking about, here is the
YouTube link:
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZENYQK-aIA
Charlie Shavers (trumpet), Willie Smith (alto sax), Corky Corcoran (tenor
sax), Lionel Hampton (vibraphone), Tommy Todd (piano), Barney Kessel
(guitar), Slam Stewart (bass) and Lee Young (drums).
I'm playing it now.
Very kind regards,
Bill.