Lenny Hambro Quintet - Complete Sessions 1953-1957 / 2CD set

Influenced in part by Charlie Parker, but a spiritual kin to Johnny Hodges and Benny Carter in particular, New Yorker Lenny Hambro (1923-1995), was an alto saxophonist, flutist and clarinet player.

He joined Gene Krupas band at 17 until he was drafted in 1943, and rejoined him after he was discharged. He also played with the bands of Billy Butterfield and Bobby Byrne. In 1951, after a stint with Pupi Campos Latin band, he joined Ray McKinley, doubling on all the reeds. Working out of New York, McKinleys band gave him the chance to record with many groups, including Machitos rhythm section, for the Savoy label.

Forming his own band with pianist Wade Legge in April 1955, he recorded two quintet albums, Message from Hambro (1955) for Columbia and the excellent The Nature of Things (1956), featuring a fresh, vibrant Eddie Costa on piano, for its subsidiary, Epic.

The last three tracks of this set were recorded in Warsaw, while he was touring Eastern Europe with Ray McKinleys Glenn Miller Band in 1957, where he was manager, featured soloist, and leader of his own quintet within the band.

Perhaps the most telling accolade for this hugely capable player came from Ellington whenever Hodges was unavailable, Hambro was Dukes first choice to replace him as lead.