A superb two-CD survey of one of jazz all-time greats, Lionel Hampton the virtuoso of the vibes. Lionel Hampton (1908-2002) was a true giant of jazz, a flamboyant showman who was an indefatigable bandleader, drummer, pianist, singer and, above all, the most famous vibraphone player in jazz history the first to use it as other than a novelty. Retrospective's tribute Flying Home (his band's signature tune) offers well over one-and-a-half hours of his finest recorded work of the 30s and 40s, covering all aspects of his virtuosity. Classic after classic features his electrifying solos, unstoppable dynamism, astonishing enthusiasm and sheer love of life and music. Included is his first vibes solo, with Louis Armstrong in 1930, and six tracks with Benny Goodman's Quartet from 1936/8. The Blues In Your Flat [complete], which display a degree of empathy that has seldom been equalled. The group recordings Lionel Hampton led during the late 30s featured the most astonishing array of jazz talent (Johnny Hodges, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Jonah Jones, Ziggy Elman, Dizzy Gillespie), and resulted in a superlative series, from which 27 absolute classics have been selected (On The Sunny Side Of The Street, Hot Mallets .). During the 40s Hampton led one of the most successful and long-lasting of all big bands, unparalleled for sheer excitement. Nine roof-raisers such as Air Mail Special have been included. In addition to the many fine examples of Hampton's vibraphone virtuosity (including his phenomenal Stardust solo), he is heard as a top-flight drummer (Drum Stomp, Jack The Bellboy); as a unique pianist with an extraordinary percussive, two-fingered attacking style (Wizzin' The Wiz, Twelfth Street Rag); and as an endearing, if limited, singer (After You've Gone).