Hampton Hawes


Contrary to popular belief there were great bebop musicians performing in Los Angeles in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Dexter Gordon, Art Pepper, Wardell Gray, Sonny Criss, Charles Mingus, and Howie McGhee all broke into the music business on the west coast. There were many jazz clubs on Central Avenue in L.A. that presented bop oriented groups. That brings us to the subject of this series of podcasts, the pianist Hampton Hawes (1928-1977).

Hampton Hawes - Episode 1

Hampton was born and raised in Los Angeles and spent much of his professional career there. He was the quintessential bebop pianist and in the 1950’s was one of the best on the jazz scene on either coast. These exceprts on this podcast are some of Hampton’s earliest recordings.
CompositionArtistAlbumYear
FanfareHampton Hawes QuartetPiano: East/West1952
The First OneHampton Hawes/Sonny Criss Quartet1949
BuzzyHampton HawesEast West Controversy: Live at the Haig1951
What is This ThingHampton HawesEast West Controversy: Live at the Haig1951
All the Things You AreHampton HawesEast West Controversy: Live at the Haig1951
Terrible T.Hampton Hawes QuartetPiano: East/West1952
Just Squeeze MeHampton Hawes QuartetPiano: East/West1952

Hampton Hawes - Episode 2

CompositionArtist/LeaderAlbumYear
MoveHampton Hawes (Quartet)Piano: East/West1952
Jumpin' JacquesHampton HawesHampton Hawes Trio1952
Thou SwellHampton HawesHampton Hawes Trio1952
All God's Chillin'Hampton HawesLive at the Surf Club1952
PopoHampton Hawes/Shorty RogersModern Sounds1951
Bright BoyHampton Hawes/Wardell GrayLive in Hollywood1952
Suzy the PoodleHampton Hawes/Art PepperEarly/ Late Show1952
Spiked PunchHampton Hawes/Art PepperEarly/ Late Show1952

Hampton Hawes - Episode 3

Hawes served in the armed forces for 1953 to 1955 and consequently did no recording during that period. After leaving the army in 1955 Hawes immediately started recording with his trio that featured bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Chuck Thompson. 1955 and 1956 were very productive years for Hawes and he recorded some of best work during this period. The album Bird Songs (1956) is interesting in that he uses two different rhythm sections: “Blue’n’Boogie” features Miles Davis’s bassist Paul Chambers. The All Night Sessions (Volumes 1-3) were recorded in one 8-hour massive session and also featured guitarist Jim Hall.
CompositionArtistAlbumYear
Groovin' HighHampton HawesAll Night Session! Vol. 11956
I Got RhythmHampton HawesTrio Vol. 11955
Easy LivingHampton HawesTrio Vol. 11955
Blue 'N' BoogieHampton HawesBird Songs (PC/Marable)1956
YesterdaysHampton HawesTrio Vol. 11955
BroadwayHampton HawesAll Night Session! Vol. 11956
Two Bass HitHampton HawesAll Night Session! Vol. 21956