CLAUDE HOPKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1932-1934 | The Classics Chronological Series – 699 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The first of three Classics CDs that contain all of pianist Claude Hopkins' big band recordings is the most essential of the trio. Although Hopkins was a masterful stride player, his orchestra never really had their own individual sound and therefore did not catch on. However, many of the selections on this set (particularly the Jimmy Mundy-arranged instrumentals) are quite memorable, with the eccentric "Mush Mouth" being a classic. Other highlights include Hopkins' theme "I Would Do Most Anything for You," "Three Little Words," "California Here I Come," and "Honeysuckle Rose." In addition to the leader, the main soloists in the band during the era were trumpeter/vocalist Ovie Alston, trombonist Fernando Arbello, up-and-coming clarinetist Edmond Hall, and underrated tenor Bobby Sands, but the most popular member of the orchestra was high-voiced singer Orlando Roberson. Highly recommended to swing and big band fans, this set of studio recordings also includes 11 numbers only previously out on a collectors' LP. Scott Yanow  
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CLAUDE HOPKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1934-1935 | The Classics Chronological Series – 716 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second of three CDs documenting the history of the Claude Hopkins Orchestra does not quite reach the heights of the first set (too many Orlando Roberson high-note vocals and some erratic moments by the musicians) but still has many moments of interest. With trumpeter Ovie Alston (who takes four vocals), trombonist Fernando Arbello, clarinetist Edmond Hall (also heard on baritone), and tenorman Bobby Sands sharing the solo space with pianist Hopkins, some of the selections swing quite hard. Best are "Harlem Rhythm Dance," "Everybody Shuffle," "King Porter Stomp," "In the Shade of the Old Apple Tree" and "Zozoi." All of the numbers except for the last three are from 1934. Scott Yanow  
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CLAUDE HOPKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 733 (1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The third and final Claude Hopkins Classics CD has some really obscure and diverse music. The 1937 Hopkins big band included trumpeter Jabbo Smith and trombonist Vic Dickenson in its lineup, but of the six titles it cut, five are showcases for singer Beverly White; in all, the legendary Smith gets a single chorus. Better are eight titles by trumpeter Ovie Alston's orchestra, which includes Hopkins on piano in 1938 along with some of his sidemen. This CD concludes with six numbers by the pianist's struggling 1940 big band, decent swing performances that preceded the orchestra's complete breakup. A bit of a collector's item. Scott Yanow