Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Cloudburst | Throwback Vibez

In the 14^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Cloudburst” by legendary vocal jazz trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 14th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “Cloudburst” performed by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross were a legendary vocal group, PERIOD.  With many incredible songs to their name, among the best is the short but utterly sweet “Cloudburst”. “Cloudburst” appeared as the fifth track on the trio’s 1959 album, The Hottest New Group in Jazz. The trio was comprised of Dave Lambert (1917 – 1966), Jon Hendricks (1921 – 2017), and Annie Ross (1930 – 2020). “Cloudburst” was originally written by Leroy Kirkland and Jimmy Harris and first recorded by Claude Cloud and His Thunderclaps in 1955. Vocalese innovator Hendricks penned the lyrics the same year, recording the vocal version originally with The Dave Lambert Singers. Lambert, Hendricks & Ross recorded it four years later.  The musicianship is awe-inspiring!

“Cloudburst” commences with a playful piano riff during the intro. The riff recurs throughout the up-tempo track.  The combo is electrifying.  There is awesome, tasteful comping from the Gildo Mahones (1929 – 2018) on piano. The groove cooks between the walking bass line (Ike Isaacs,1923 – 1981) and the drums (Walter Bolden,1925 – 2002, drums). But, the stars of the show are Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, of course! I love the soli between Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross. The chemistry is top-notch and out of this world.

“I was blue, and I was always wearing a frown,

Because my gal had turned me down

Then we met, and you can bet I knew from the first,

You were my love
‘Cause that’s when the old gray cloud burst!”

Jon Hendricks sounds awesome during his vocal solo.  The man goes H.A.M.! 

“Hey, baby!

I’m gonna tell you ‘bout your lovin’ and your kissin’ and your
Huggin’ and your sweet turtle dovin’ pretty baby;

I won’t be satisfied ’til I
Hear ‘em play ‘Here comes the Bride.’”

Hendricks embraces his role of as a vocal instrumentalist, soloing and improvising. His phrasing is immaculate.  He serves up agile singing, but also, there are moments when Hendricks intentionally lays back. Of course, the songwriting is impressive, with some truly fun, personality-laden lyrics. Following Hendrick’s epic solo, I like the duet between Lambert and Ross, playing the role of background vocalists (“When it’s cloudy and gray and that’s the worst, how do you get that / Cloud to burst?” etc.), followed by brief solos by Hendricks (“Ya gotta find a lover, find a lover, find a lover, find a lover!”). Only two-and-a-quarter minutes long, “Cloudburst” is a fantastic, jam-packed vocal jazz record. This is the definition of an oldie but a goodie!