Bird Song

Album Description

"Bird Song" is a captivating journey through the jazz landscape, masterfully crafted by the legendary pianist Hampton Hawes. Released on December 18, 2020, via From The Valley, this album is a testament to Hawes' enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the hard bop, bebop, and cool jazz genres.

Spanning just over 55 minutes, "Bird Song" features a collection of 12 tracks that showcase Hawes' virtuosic piano playing and his deep understanding of jazz tradition. The album opens with "Big Foot," a high-energy track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include "Ray's Idea," a swinging bebop number, and "Stella by Starlight," a beautiful ballad that highlights Hawes' delicate touch and expressive playing. The album also features several original compositions, including "Blues for Jacque" and "Cheryl," which demonstrate Hawes' compositional skills.

"Bird Song" is a celebration of jazz history, with several tracks paying homage to the genre's greats. "Bird Song" itself is a tribute to Charlie Parker, while "Yesterdays" and "What's New" are classic jazz standards that Hawes interprets with his unique voice. The album also features "I'll Remember April," a beautiful ballad that showcases Hawes' lyrical playing and his deep connection to the jazz tradition.

Hampton Hawes was a prolific and influential jazz pianist, known for his dynamic playing and his ability to blend bebop, hard bop, and cool jazz elements. Born in Los Angeles in 1928, Hawes began playing piano at a young age and quickly established himself as a rising star in the jazz world. Throughout his career, he recorded numerous albums and performed with some of the genre's most legendary figures. "Bird Song" is a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the world of jazz.

18 december 2020

2020 From The Valley

About Hampton Hawes

Hampton Hawes was a dynamic and influential figure in the world of jazz, renowned for his virtuosic piano playing and his compelling personal story. Born into a musical family in Los Angeles, Hawes began his journey with the piano as a toddler, sitting on his mother's lap as she practiced. By his teens, he was already performing with legendary musicians like Dexter Gordon and Charlie Parker, quickly establishing himself as a formidable talent on the West Coast jazz scene.

Hawes' career was marked by both incredible highs and significant challenges. In the 1950s and 60s, he recorded prolifically, earning a reputation as one of the most exciting and technically gifted pianists of his time. His albums, such as "For Real!" and "All Night Session," are celebrated for their raw energy and impeccable interplay. However, Hawes' life was also marred by controversy and struggle, including a five-year prison sentence on drug charges, which was later pardoned by President Kennedy.

Despite these obstacles, Hawes' passion for music never waned. He authored the memoir "Raise Up Off Me," which won the Deems-Taylor Award for music writing in 1975, offering a candid look into his life, music, and battles with addiction. Hawes' legacy endures as a pioneer of hard bop and bebop, and his music continues to inspire and captivate jazz enthusiasts worldwide.