Description
Release Date: 2025
Label: Enlightenment
Among the finest and most influential bebop and hard-bop pianists of the 1950s, Hampton Hawes’ impeccable sense of timing, swing and expression left a permanent mark on the entire jazz genre. With a sound that drew heavily on that of Earl Hines and other leading players from an earlier time, Hawes also blended elements of blues and gospel into his style while employing the 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.
This collection contains eight of the very finest original albums by Hampton Hawes, consisting of more than five hours of music which celebrates the distinguished career of this magnificent composer and musician. Collating Hampton Hawes’ best records 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.
