Torrents Music

Drummer Cafe founder, Bart Elliott, has put together an "In Memoriam" for legendary drummer, George "Alan" Dawson (1929-1996). Dawson performed with the likes of Dave Brubeck, Booker Ervin, Dexter Gordon, Lionel Hampton and Quincy Jones. Former students include Tony Williams, Terri Lyne Carrington and Vinnie Colaiuta ... just to name a few.

Jazz saxophonist Johnny Griffin, who played with America's greats from Thelonious Monk to Lionel Hampton but chose to live in France, died hours before a concert. He was 80

about my discover of the vibraphone via lionel hampton's new orleans style funeral outside my bedroom window five years ago.

There's electricity in the air. Sarah Vaughan is in the room. So is Lionel Hampton, Bessie Smith and Ray Charles. Present is Willie Mays. So are Jack Johnson, Joe Louis, Jessie Owens and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. "Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits," has opened at the National Portrait Gallery. (WashPost)

Professional concert review with photos: Every year, jazz fans from all over the world converge at the University of Idaho, Moscow, for the four day long Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. The festival, now in its 40th year, plays host to a bevy of internationally famous jazz musicians including Jane Monheit and John Pizzarelli.