Lionel Hampton Orchestra 1958 - The Mess Is Here Revisited

2022 release

Recorded live 1958 in Stuttgaert. First time on CD. Performed by: Eddie Williams, Art Hoyle, Eddie Mullens, Dave Gonzales, Macky Kasper trumpets; Louis Blackburn, Wade Marcus, Larry Wilson, trombones; Leon Zachary, Bobby Plater, alto saxophones; Andy McGhee, Gerald Weinkopf, tenor saxophones; Lonnie Shaw, Werner Baumgart, baritone saxophones; Lionel Hampton, vibraphone & piano; Oscar Dennard, piano; Billy Mackel, guitar; Julius Browne, fender bass; Wilbert Hogan drums; Cornelius "Pinocchio" James, vocals.

In 1953 Lionel Hampton came to Europe for the first time. The tour was scheduled for three weeks, but then extended to three months because of the overwhelming success. Wherever they played, the band filled the largest halls. On 25 December 1957, the Hampton Band came to Europe again. The first concert took place on Christmas Day in Hamburg. As usual, the Hampton Band of 1957/58 consisted of longterm members along with young talents who one by one would soon leave the band to start their own careers. This time those young talents were the pianist Oscar Dennard, the tenor saxophonist Andy McGhee and the vocalist Cornelius "Pinocchio" James. – Mario Schneeberger