ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1938-1939 | The Chronogical Classics – 667 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second in the Classics label's reissuance of all of trumpeter/bandleader Erskine Hawkins' early recordings features the orchestra in its early prime. Although underrated in the history books, Hawkins led one of the finest big bands of the era. Among the more memorable selections in this consistently exciting set are "Weary Blues," "King Porter Stomp," "Swing Out," "Swingin' On Lenox Avenue," "Gin Mill Special," and the original version of "Tuxedo Junction." All of the CDs in the valuable series are highly recommended to swing collectors. Scott Yanow
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ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Chronogical Classics – 678 (1992) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The Erskine Hawkins Orchestra was riding high during the era covered by this Classics CD, and their recording of "After Hours" (included among this reissue's highlights), which features pianist Avery Parrish, would keep the momentum going. Such numbers as "Satan Does the Rhumba," "Uptown Shuffle," "Gabriel Meets the Duke" and "Junction Blues" show why the Hawkins band was one of the most popular in Harlem during the 1930s and '40s. Scott Yanow
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ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1941-1945 | The Chronogical Classics – 868 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

All of the recordings cut by the always-underrated Erskine Hawkins Orchestra during a four-year period are reissued on this Classics CD. Actually there is only one cut from 1941 and seven songs from 1942 so the bulk of the set deals with the 1945 edition of the orchestra. In general the instrumentals are much more rewarding than the vocals, featuring solos by the trumpeter/leader, altoist Bobby Smith (who stars on the hit record of "Tippin' In") and tenor-saxophonist Julian Dash. The vocals by James Mitchelle, Ida James, Carol Tucker and Dolores Brown are harmless if forgettable; pianist Ace Harris fares best singing "Caldonia." In addition to "Tippin' In," highlights include "Lucky Seven," "Bear Mash Blues" (a near-classic by Sammy Lowe), "Caldonia," "Good Dip" and "Holiday for Swing." This is the fifth Erskine Hawkins CD from Classics and, due to the consistency of the band, all are recommended. Scott Yanow
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ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1946-1947 | The Chronogical Classics – 1008 (1998) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Although by 1946 Erskine Hawkins no longer had any hit records in the future (1945's Tippin' In was his last one), his orchestra was still one of the best in jazz. Most of the 22 selections on this 1998 CD (the sixth in Classics' complete Hawkins series) are obscure but quite worthwhile. There are vocals on 13 of the songs (four by Jimmy Mitchelle, one from Ruth Christian, Ace Harris sounding spirited on "Well Natch," and seven easy-to-take vocals by Laura Washington) but it is the nine instrumentals that take honors. Although there are hints of bebop in the later records from 1947, most of the music on this CD is still very much in the swing vein. Taken as a whole, there is ample evidence here for the Erskine Hawkins Orchestra to be rated as one of the finest (and most underrated) big bands of the 1946-47 period. The key soloists in the orchestra are Hawkins and Sammy Lowe on trumpets, Matthew Gee on trombone, altoist Bobby Smith, Julian Dash on tenor, and baritonist Haywood Henry who is often heard on clarinet. Highlights include "Sneakin' Out," "Feelin' Low," "Needle Points," and "Lazy Blues." Recommended. Scott Yanow
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ERSKINE HAWKINS AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1947-1949 | The Chronogical Classics – 1148 (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The swing era may have ended during 1945-1946, but Erskine Hawkins' big band was still a mighty power in the late '40s. Still based at the Savoy Ballroom, Hawkins' ensemble occasionally showed a slight influence of bebop, but was essentially unchanged from five years earlier in style. Dud and Paul Bascomb had departed, but the band still had strong soloists in trumpeter Sammy Lowe, altoist Bobby Smith, tenorman Julian Dash, baritonist/clarinetist Haywood Henry, who is particularly well-featured, and the exciting leader/trumpeter. With occasional vocals by Jimmy Mitchelle, there was no reason to think that this big band would not survive for decades to come. Highlights of the program of little-known but valuable music includes: "Gabriel's Heater," "Rose Room" (during which Henry is excellent on clarinet), "Corn Bread," "Texas Hop," and "Fishtail," among others. Highly recommended to fans of swinging big bands. Scott Yanow  
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