Lionel Hampton - Bongo Interlude

[thendrjazz]

According to imdb.com and The Complete Directory of Prime Time...TV Shows 1946-2003, this comes from the 7th episode of a 13 episode syndicated TV series from 1955 called Show Time at the Apollo, one of the rare chances to spotlight jazz and r&b performers. Apollo emcee and bandleader Willie Bryant was the host. Parts have been used in many documentaries. It was also known, I think in reissues, as Harlem Variety Revue. So as a 50s TV series it did have canned laughs.

[TheBierwas]

i wish they still had THIS on tv

[Fedorafiend1970]

I'm in awe!

[wisesire]

amazing

[1divahead]

The tall drum is an old vintage conga with a drum head...I have some at home....kinda like Ricky Ricardo used.

[jazzyazz]

I didn't know Duke Ellington played flute in the Hampton band!! 1:18 Lol.

[creelump]

wow is that really the Duke?

[DajaWaja]

@creelump nope, he aint

[Rokimoki]

lol

[mothersavage]

absolutely top stuff...

[fastone56]

I grew up watching Lionel Hampton on TV, what a innovative talent he was.

[alexriesenbeck]

Awesome video! Was that canned laughter just before his "trompet" solo? thanks for the upload

[cleostein28]

That arrangement of Bongo Interlude was done by Armando Solis, who later recorded with singer Damita Jo.

[GYMGA]

quicy jones on trumpet

[davespence]

This wonderful video brings-to-mind, bell hook's book "Art On My Mind"! A perfect example of the American art of jazz at its best... Hmmm I wish there were more to this video!

[Fnarge]

Lionel's tom tom solo complete with astounding stick juggling is matched by Wilbur Hogan's full kit drumming to create a dynamic 'Night In Tunisia' style pastiche. Oddly enough this same film clip has appeared on DVD with a different soundtrack, without the canned audience laughter. I once saw Ginger Baker leap uninvited on someone else's tom tom and then inform the hapless drummer 'You gotta learn to dance on 'em before you can play 'em.'

[dissentionburn]

nice one... about what year would you say?

[weirdovideos]

Mid 1950's.

[dissentionburn]

thanks, man! i think you may be one of my favorite non-"real person" subscriptions! love the old b&w stuff!

[tadd1]

@weirdovideos I have a feeling this is from the early 1950's. I believe this is a Snader Telescription, which would date this around 1951-1952.