Lionel Hampton, a name synonymous with the vibrant energy and improvisational spirit of jazz, forged an unexpected and deeply cherished connection with the Nez Perce people. This unique bond, blossoming late in the legendary vibraphonist’s life, continues to resonate today, influencing musical collaborations that bridge cultural divides and celebrate the shared essence of American artistic expression.
Hampton’s relationship with the Nez Perce began in the 1990s, a period when the celebrated musician, then in his 80s, embraced opportunities to share his music with younger generations. The University of Idaho’s annual jazz festival served as a catalyst, bringing Hampton to the Nez Perce Reservation to perform for local schoolchildren. These early interactions proved to be more than just performances; they were the seeds of a lasting friendship and a profound mutual respect. The impact of these visits was tangible, creating a palpable connection between the jazz icon and the community.
Five years after his passing, Hampton’s influence remains a vibrant force, particularly within the Nez Perce community. One individual deeply touched by Hampton’s music is Andre Picard, a Nez Perce musician whose family established a warm relationship with the jazz great. Picard witnessed firsthand the depth of Hampton’s connection to the tribe, from the honorary membership bestowed upon him to the intimate moments during his final performances on the reservation.
Picard fondly recalls Hampton’s visits. He remembers a time when Hampton, struggling with age-related memory loss, relied on his band members to prompt him with the lyrics of the classic "What a Wonderful World." "Kids called him grandpa Lionel," Picard reminisces, sitting in his home recording studio in Spalding, Idaho. "We all loved him a lot, and when he passed on, we were very sad." The warmth and affection in Picard’s voice paint a vivid picture of the genuine affection Hampton inspired within the community.
This connection forms the foundation for an ambitious and innovative musical project spearheaded by Picard and Christian Fabian, the former bass player for the Lionel Hampton Big Band. Their collaborative endeavor seeks to create a groundbreaking album that seamlessly blends the rich textures of jazz with the distinctive sounds of American Indian music.
Fabian, a New York-based musician with a diverse background – born in Sweden, raised in Germany, and educated in the United States – recently traveled to the area to record this unique project. He firmly believes in the unifying power of jazz. "Jazz is a universal language. It always brings together cultures," he asserts. Picard, a multi-talented musician who sings, plays the drums, and masters the flute, has already released sixteen albums showcasing the diverse musical traditions of his people, including pow wow music, stick game songs, and other traditional forms. His work has also been featured on the soundtrack of the acclaimed film "Smoke Signals" and on a compilation album that garnered a NAMMY, the Native American Music Award equivalent to a Grammy.
The meeting between Picard and Fabian occurred during Fabian’s visits to Lapwai with Hampton’s band. They acknowledge that merging the two distinct musical genres presents a considerable challenge. However, they are driven by the conviction that uniting these two quintessential American art forms will create something truly special and meaningful. Both musicians hold a deep respect for each other’s musical heritage and are committed to creating an album that achieves a harmonious balance between jazz and American Indian music. The spirit of Jazz Legend Hampton Had Bond With Nez Perce is alive in their dedication.
Fabian emphasizes the significance of both genres. "It’s been called America’s original art form," Fabian says of jazz. "When you think about it, Native American music is even more original than jazz." This statement highlights the historical depth and cultural importance of both musical traditions.
The similarities between jazz and American Indian music extend beyond their shared American roots. Improvisation, a cornerstone of jazz, finds a parallel in the spontaneous nature of American Indian music. Picard explains that traditionally, American Indian music is not written down. The key, rhythm, and timing are fluid, dictated by the singer’s emotional state and the overall mood of the song. This emphasis on improvisation allows for a deeply personal and expressive musical experience.
Furthermore, American Indian music features a vocal technique akin to jazz scat singing. In scat, performers use nonsensical syllables to create rhythmic and melodic textures. Similarly, American Indian music often incorporates long, drawn-out vowel sounds that, while lacking explicit meaning, contribute significantly to the emotional impact and overall feel of the song.
Picard explains that these vocalizations, though seemingly unintelligible, carry a deeper spiritual significance. "While they don’t make sense even to the singer," Picard says, "the creator understands us." This statement underscores the profound connection between music, spirituality, and cultural identity within the Nez Perce tradition.
The as-yet-untitled album will feature a diverse collection of songs, including a poignant rendition of "What a Wonderful World," performed by Picard in English with the distinctive rhythmic inflections of Nez Perce phrasing. This particular song is dedicated to the memory of Lionel Hampton, serving as a heartfelt tribute to his friendship and influence. The memory of Jazz Legend Hampton Had Bond With Nez Perce lives on in the music.
Another notable track, "Hail to the Chief," is dedicated to Chief Joseph, a revered figure in Nez Perce history. In this song, Fabian’s bowed bass creates a haunting, chant-like sound, evoking a sense of reverence and historical depth. "If you really sit down and listen to it, it takes you somewhere," Fabian says, hinting at the song’s ability to transport listeners to another time and place.
Other songs, such as "Funky Warrior," showcase a more energetic and upbeat fusion of jazz and American Indian music. This faster-paced track features Fabian’s dynamic acoustic bass playing alongside Picard’s stepped-up vocalizations, creating a vibrant and engaging listening experience.
Picard hopes that the album will inspire the younger generation of his tribe. "I hope it gives the kids, the youth of our tribe, the idea that you can always have a song in your heart," Picard says of the album, "that music will always be there for you." This sentiment reflects the enduring power of music to provide solace, inspiration, and a connection to cultural heritage.
The album is expected to contain approximately a dozen songs. Picard and Fabian are currently exploring various distribution channels to reach both Indian and jazz audiences. Their goal is to release the album in time for the February 2008 University of Idaho Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, further cementing the connection between Hampton’s legacy and the ongoing evolution of American music. The spirit of Jazz Legend Hampton Had Bond With Nez Perce is evident in the care and dedication put into this project.
The album represents more than just a musical collaboration; it symbolizes a bridge between cultures, a celebration of shared artistic heritage, and a testament to the enduring power of music to unite and inspire. The legacy of Jazz Legend Hampton Had Bond With Nez Perce continues to inspire artists today.