STUFF SMITH – 1944-1946 | The Classics Chronological Series – 1081 (1999) FLAC (tracks), lossless

Violinist Stuff Smith's third Classics CD (which wraps up his dates as a leader prior to the mid-'50s) starts off with 16 numbers from 1944-1946, many of which are rarities. Smith is heard leading various trios (sidemen include pianists Jimmy Jones and Billy Taylor) on music recorded for the Savoy (with Billy Daniels and Rosalie Young having vocals), Baronet, Selmer, Musicraft, and Town & Country labels; Sarah Vaughan sings on "Time and Again." Best is the Selmer date, which has versions of "Perdido," "Bugle Call Rag," and Smith's "Desert Sands." Also included on this CD are Smith's six recordings with Alphonso Trent's notable territory band during 1928-1930 (including classic versions of "After You've Gone" and "St. James Infirmary"). All three Classics Stuff Smith CDs are easily recommended. Scott Yanow     Tracklist + Credits :

ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1936-1938 | The Chronogical Classics – 653 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This excellent CD has the first 24 recordings by trumpeter Erskine Hawkins' Orchestra, which was originally known as the 'Bama State Collegians. From the start, Hawkins had his sound together, with such top soloists as Dud Bascomb and the leader on trumpets, either Paul Bascomb or Julian Dash on tenor, baritonist Haywood Henry, and pianist Avery Parrish. Although there are some vocals from James Morrison, Billie Daniels and Merle Turner, it is the many spirited instrumentals that made Hawkins' big band one of the most popular of the next decade. Among the highlights of this superior set are "Swinging In Harlem," "Uproar Shout," "I Found a New Baby" and "Rockin' Rollers' Jubilee." Scott Yanow
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