Swing Em Gates

Although Jay Hoggard normally plays in a more modern style than Lionel Hampton, Hampton was an early influence on his style and they were friends. In fact, Hoggard was called by Hampton to substitute for him on a few occasions. Swing 'Em Gates is Hoggard's tribute to the late Lionel Hampton. He performs two tribute pieces and eight songs that Hampton usually played including such trademark songs as "Memories of You," "Air Mail Special," "Stardust" and of course "Flying Home." Hoggard sometimes sounds a little like Hampton and he certainly brings back his spirit and joyful brand of swing. The great Billy Taylor sits in on piano during three songs and Willie Martinez on conga makes the quartet a quintet on three numbers. All in all, this is a fine swing/bop set that features Jay Hoggard excelling on the straight-ahead material.