Hampton Hawes, Complete Albums Collection (4CD)

http://www.renaud-bray.com

http://www.renaud-bray.com

*** Résumé en anglais seulement ***One of the finest and most influential bebop and hard-bop pianists of the 1950s, Hampton Hawes' impeccable sense of timing, swing and expression has left a permanent mark on the entire jazz genre. With a sound that drew heavily on the style of Earl Hines and other leading players from an earlier era, Hawes also blended elements of blues and gospel while employing a technique of using his right hand to emulate horn lines. This unorthodox approach was later popular with a number of esteemed pianists who followed Hawes, including Horace Silver, Oscar Peterson and André Previn. Hampton Hawes' career was cut tragically short on 22nd May 1977, when he died suddenly from a brain hemorrhage aged 48. He was interred at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery alongside his father, who had died five months earlier. In 2004 the city of Los Angeles officially declared his birthday, Hampton Hawes Day. This collection, containing eight original albums consisting of more than five hours of music, celebrates the early, distinguished career of this magnificent composer and musician. Collating Hampton Hawes' first albums as leader, this four disc set provides the ultimate introduction to this inspirational performer who, despite his premature passing, left an undeniable and lasting impression on the field of jazz piano.