Today (April 21) is the 82nd Birthday of one of the world's great Jazz trombonists and an incredible composer/arranger Lockesly Wellington Hampton....better known as "Slide". He became a competent trombonist when he was young and soon graduated to playing with known bands led by Lionel Hampton (no relation) and Maynard Ferguson. He also wrote arrangements and compositions for those bands and others and developed that skill until it was as important as his playing. He formed The Slide Hampton Octet in 1960 and began touring both the USA and Europe with that band as well as recording for several major labels. The Slide Hampton Octet was sometimes increased to a tentet or 11 pieces. Tonights' Jazz Feature is the Octet with 9 pieces! Alumnus, Freddie Hubbard (trumpet)is back on this date and guests,Yusef Lateef on tenor saxophone and flute is a worthy addition but the star is the guest appearance of Max Roach. Roach's drums light a fire under the band and made this recording a very special one. Regulars George Coleman on tenor saxophone and Richard Williams on trumpet are heard plus some solos by Slide himself and Tommy Flanagan on piano. The tunes are a mix of Hampton originals and Hampton re-interpretation of some good standards. The centerpiece is really dedicated to Mr. Roach and is called "Drum Suite". Happy Birthday Slide Hampton! The album "Drum Suite" is a classic!

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