Search - Lionel Hampton Swinging At His Best on DVD

Great performances; so-so audio/video quality

Andrew Kuzel | Rochester, NY United States | 07/27/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD compiles 14 performances from Lionel Hampton's classic band of the late 1940s and early 1950s. Ten of these same performances are included in the "Swing Era - Duke Ellington/Lionel Hampton" DVD. Those looking for value may want to consider that release, but the ten duplicates don't include "Flying Home" or "Hamps Idea" - two of the better clips from "At His Best"

Audio/Video quality is acceptable for this era, but there really doesn't appear to have been much effort put into restoration. Three of the same clips are included on the "Jazz Legend - King of the Vibes" DVD - these same clips look and sound noticably better there. The performances are consistently excellent, as one would expect from Lionel Hampton. Not only Hamp himself, but his entire orchestra have infectious energy and enthusiasm for their music. This is exactly why the DVD rates as highly as it does - when you're great you're great; there's just no denying talent at this level.

As with most similar DVDs there are no extras. This is a solid buy for fans of Hamp or jazz/swing music of this era. I'd look at "Jazz Legend - King of the Vibes" by Hudson Music as a first purchase and "Swinging At His Best" as a follow up."