This release presents the complete original LP 'Tatum/Hampton/Rich' ( Clef MG C-709), which received unanimous critical acclaim, including a five-star review from Downbeat. For this special edition, a further six tracks from the same session are also included as a bonus. Produced by Norman Granz, who in light of Tatum's declining health, decided to record him prolifically, and the extraordinary music on this CD was made shortly before the pianist's death, which took place on November 5th, 1955, at the age of just 47. ART TATUM piano LIONEL HAMPTON vibraphone BUDDY RICH drums Los Angeles, August 1955 5 Stars Down Beat: 'Tatum/Hampton/Rich' "A superbly relaxed and tasteful set of conversations by Lionel, Art, and Buddy. Hampton plays here some of his best, most consistently inventive vibes in years. Tatum is exhilarating, and seems freer in this trio context than he usually is when not by himself. Rich is flawless. This is the kind of trialog that is not likely ever to lose its glow. As for swinging, this, gentlemen, is time." Nat Hentoff
