went to Slide Hampton's birthday bash last night, and needless to say the music flowed like water. He had his New York group with him plus his nephew and Steve Allee on piano. Played a lot of Brazilian jazz. His cousin showed up from Florida, and nearly stole the bash with one tune! This guy (Marcus Hampton) is one of the best trumpet players I've ever heard, and his Nephew ain't no slouch either (Pharez Whitted).
The only sad thing was that Slide's sister passed away a couple months back, and it would have been fun to see the Hampton Sisters play one more time with Slide Hampton. They were still gettin" it done right before Christmass.
Anyway Slide's 75 years young!
gary
