| |
| | |
| |
 |
 Slide Hampton: Inclusion  1. Little Sunflower-Freddie Hubbard 2. My Funny Valentine-Rodgers/Hart 3. The Island-Alan/Marilyn Bergman (Lyrics)-Ivan Lins/ Victor Martins (Music) 4. Summertime-George Gershwin 5. Someday My Prince Will Come-F. Churchill 6. All Blues-Miles Davis 7. Estate-Marino Brighetti 8. Sidewinder-Lee Morgen 9. Inclusion-Slide Hampton 10. My Ship-Weill/Gershwin |
|
 | ||
| | |
|
Little
Sunflower MP3 | | |
| | |
 |
|
 |
|
| I met Renee Rosnes five years ago when we played together in the Carnegie Hall Jazz Band, and I noticed immediately that she was a person who could be relied upon to spot problem, even before the other musicians, and offer an array of creative solutions with the grace of a seasoned educator. A well trained, well rounded musician and arranger with fabulous technique; Renee embodied the versatility I needed in a pianist for the purposes of this particular recording. I met Andrew Williams three years ago in New York City ú and I was overwhelmed. How could a musician of this skill and talent not be widely recognized? We started jamming, and his disciplined approach to improvisation not only mirrored my attitude but inspired me in my playing and arranging. Andrew also helped me develop the concept for Inclusion. Like all serious artists he’s always striving to better himself and I’ve been privileged to observe his development as a trombonist. Every day and all day long my son Lamont Gaylord Hampton, has toiled using his formidable gifts to make Inclusion a reality. Lamont's knowledge of the music business and the music itself made him my most relied upon colleague. Lamont handled not only marketing and logistics, but he was also my most trusted critic. I regard this splendid man who is my son, and I am deeply grateful for his dignified and soothing presence I love you Lamont. Fortunately, Jiro was able to bring Hiro Iida aboard, much of the advantage of our journey. Hiro's keyboard playing is highly imaginative and cosmopolitan. He added synthesized layers to our acoustic tracks thus affording us the opportunity to enhance this project with alternative flavors. Jiro Yoshida is like a member of my family. Shortly after I was introduced to him ten years ago, I heard him play the guitar. I was so inspired by his enthusiasm for performance that I assumed the role of his mentor. He studied classical, pop and jazz at Berkley School of Music, and as he matured artistically he gained experience as an arranger and producer in both Japan and the United States. Now I regard him as a peer and I asked him to be my co-producer. His tremendous energy levels kept us afloat. Through Renee I was reminded of Billy Drummond ú Rene'’s husband ú whom I had the pleasure of performing with at a New Year’s Eve concert with the Denver Symphony Orchestra. I knew Billy’s organization and tremendous ethic of preparation would enhance the quintet I was building. Billy has experience with jazz, classical and pop rhythms; and this fluent adaptability was a necessary component of Inclusion. Ray Drummond (no relation to Billy) our contra-bass player is the backbone of our ensemble. I’ve had the pleasure of working with him several times. Classical trained and an excellent music reader, Ray’s experience with numerous prominent musicians is unparalleled. Consequently he engenders the confidence of colleagues. Ray anchors us no only with his musicianship but with his very presence. Antoine Hampton, the apple of my eye, is my thirteen year old son. I raised him in the stream of music; I made sure he encountered music from all over the world. Bun I never appreciated the degree to which he internalized his early experiences and formed an aesthetic all his own until quite recently. He’s very aggressive in evaluating what he listens to, and this passionate interest blossomed into a disciplined creativity that makes me proud. It is a happy and blessed event to collaborate with your child; all parents should be so lucky. David Matos is Antoine’s partner in rhyme. These two have been friends since they were in grammar school, and together they found a sophisticated and positive way to express themselves. As a parent, it is rewarding to trace the evolution of David and Antoine. Once upon a time they learned their ABC’s together, and now hey write in the musicopoetic format known as “rap”. David is not only a loyal friend to my son, but also encourages him to grow as an artist and as a human being; for that I’m most grateful. Jiro is also responsible for bringing the lovely Keiko Lee to my attention. When I first heard Keiko's recordings, I could hear the influences of some great female singers: Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. Keiko’s earthy and passionate improvisations are supported by her musical savvy and most powerful technique, The Hope of the human spirit The foundation of Integrity. The embrace of the self by the Self The power to Love what once frightened And confused you. The Answer to neurosis More compelling than prejudice. The befinning of ppolitical Justice. The Ideal of Government. The Courageous stance in any situation The prerequisite for Peace. The challenge to achieve Wholeness. The Feast at the wedding. The future of Music. The status of the Ancestors and The destiny of the Unborn. Executive Producer: Locksley “Slide” Hampton Producer: Lamont Hampton Co-Producer: Jiro Yoshida Recorded at Kampo Studio in New York, 10/12/98 - Engineer: Alex Head - Asst.Engineer: Matt Gold Mixed at Knoop Recording Studio in New Jersey - Mixed by Manfred Knoop/Hiro Iida, 11/28/98 Synthesizing/Editing by Hiro Iida - Asst. Mizui Imanishi Recorded at Urban Life Studio, 11/14/98 - Mastered in Tokyo, Japan Recorded and Mastered by Yoichi Uno - Assts. Seiji Oshima, Masato Tohyama, Takahiro Duno Cover Photography by Marian Torre Liner Notes by Antonia Marrero | ||
| | | |
|