• Track Listing

One of the finest and most influential bebop musicians of the 1950's, Los Angeles based self-taught pianist Hampton Hawes was playing with the leading jazz musicians on the West Coast, including Dexter Gordon, Wardell Gray, Art Pepper, Shorty Rogers, and Teddy Edwards while still in his teens - ending with a stint with Charlie Parker in Howard McGhee's group at age 19. After serving in the US Army from 1952 - 1954, Hawes formed his own trio with the bassist Red Mitchell and drummer Chuck Thompson and subsequently released some of the finest recordings to come out of the West Coast beginning in 1955. In 1958 Hawes was busted for heroin in a Federal sting. He served almost five years of a harsh 30 year sentence but was miraculously granted Executive Clemency from President Kennedy in 1963. He emerged from prison and resumed his professional career which began to skyrocket by the mid-sixties, making him an international jazz star. Presented here is his wonderful 1969 trio album, playing adventurous arrangements of tunes from popular 1960's movie musicals including Finian's Rainbow, Funny Girl and Oliver. Joining Hawes on the album are Larry Bunker (drums); Bob West (bass); and a string section arranged and conducted by Billy Byers. All selections newly remastered.