Friday, March 13, 2015

Erskine Hawkins - The Hawk Blows At Midnight

Maaaaaaaaaaan oh man...

I don't even know where to start with this one - this happens when I am excited to share.  This album was Erskine's first small group recording, being legendary in the big band dept., and it proved to be a real gem.  Not knowing what to expect, I assumed it would be a solid mainstream affair.  It certainly is, but, there is alot of colour all around to make it not quite so typical.

Hawkin's choice of songs and sidemen produce an album with clear blues and R&B influences.  I mean, Bobby Smith and Shep Sheperd!?!?!  Fuh'geddaboudit... These guys make every single tune interesting and upbeat, even tackling a ska approach on the main lick in Someone's Rocking My Dreamboat.  They infuse a similar approach into a couple other tunes, such as Things Ain't What They Used To Be, but only as a quick bridge.

I guess it's fair to say that this album surprised the hell out of me.  It's a fun, swingin and colourful set of tunes which also happened to be recorded really well.  The transfer you are getting is a stereo version - and it's solid gold.  Wonderful fidelity with great balance and diplomacy between all the instruments.  That said, the horns have an incredible immediacy about them so that when the solos come in, they hit real, real hard.  Of course this was ripped in 24/48 wav and converted to 24/48 FLAC.  The wax is quite clean and you'll find there's little analog distraction.  I spent some extra time with this one to guarantee that it's a special event... enjoy!!!

Decca DL-74081
1961

Erskine Hawkins - trumpet;  Bobby Smith - sax;  Leroy Kirkland - guitar;  Ernest Hayes - piano;
Lloyd Trotman - bass;  Shep Sheperd - drums.


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24 comments:

  1. poppachubbyMarch 13, 2015 at 7:00 PM

    https://mega.co.nz/#!5kQ3xTYZ!CmZzuYi-VeDKALemVtz526U8gt0Tu1XG1bcWK76WYEw

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  2. steveMarch 13, 2015 at 8:11 PM

    Thanks PC! Very classy.

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  3. headmanMarch 14, 2015 at 3:00 AM

    Always something new and interesting from you, poppachuby! This looks great...thank you!

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  4. AnonymousMarch 14, 2015 at 6:13 AM

    Many thanks, poppachuby!

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  5. kristophermc28March 14, 2015 at 2:38 PM

    Thanks a bunch poppa! Always enjoy what you share.

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  6. DrRay3March 14, 2015 at 3:30 PM

    Many thanks for this incredibly rare Erskine Hawkins!
    Another wonderful and rare Decca LP from this period that could stand your deluxe treatment would be The Astounding Bernard Peiffer. I have only found a 192 rip posted anyplace online.
    Ray Pratt,Bozeman,MT
    DrRay3.

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  7. DrRay3March 14, 2015 at 4:08 PM

    Again, thanks for the Hawkins. Correction on that Bernard Peiffer, I only found a 128k mp3 of a Latin American LP. A brilliant pianist who recorded two Decca LPs in the late 50s.
    Ray

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  8. poppachubbyMarch 14, 2015 at 4:30 PM

    Glad everybody is pleased. Ray I will keep that one on my radar - he is unknown to me thus far.

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  9. deGalloMarch 14, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    Nice transfer. I think I have this, but where? Haven't got my LPs sorted since we moved...and it's only been a year :(
    Don't recall if mine is Stereo but I'm thinking it is Mono. Thank you poppachubby.

    Reference the Peiffer, there are several CDs still in print I think. Also. Melanchthon is offline right now but he will be back on in a few days. There are 2 CDs there.

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  10. AnonymousMarch 14, 2015 at 6:06 PM

    P.C., thank you very much for sharing this, and for your refined efforts in doing so. This is a cool old gem that I never had nor heard. "Tippin' In" was a tune that I used do play years ago after hearing a few guitar players doing it (Gatemouth Brown being one). It's great to have another version of that, even without a guitar solo. Such a great blog. Thanks again, JimR56

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  11. ScoredaddyMarch 14, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    wow, this is great! I actually met Mr. Hawkins when I was a kid! He performed (in residence) at a hotel in upstate NY where my father also worked.

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  12. zeroMarch 14, 2015 at 6:53 PM

    Great post, poppa! My Hawkins listening covers the 30s and 40s - great stuff - but nothing beyond. Your enthusiastic description has me eager to take this for a spin. Thanks very much.

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  13. rebf942March 15, 2015 at 6:15 AM

    Interesting to hear him in a small group - I've heard only some big-band tracks - so many thanks.

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  14. BaronMarch 15, 2015 at 10:32 AM

    Eye popping post Poppa! Thank you.

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  15. Daver88March 17, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks PC quite a change from his 1940's R&B stuff.

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  16. Daver88March 17, 2015 at 1:27 AM

    Thanks PC quite a change from his 1940's R&B stuff.

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  17. fcapeauMarch 18, 2015 at 5:18 PM

    Oh Poppa .... Splendid Musical Moment !!!
    Many thanks.

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  18. christopheMarch 19, 2015 at 6:38 AM

    Many thanks for this nice discover.

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  19. EricMarch 23, 2015 at 2:16 AM

    I played bass with Erskine Hawkins at the Concord Hotel in 1979-80. It was a quintet with clarinet and 3 rhythm.

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  20. NewlynerMarch 23, 2015 at 4:01 AM

    Great post, love the subtle piano work of Ernest Hayes

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  21. ArvinMarch 27, 2015 at 4:28 PM

    Thanks Poppa, I don't know exactly what to expect but I trust you completely!

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  22. ogroomsApril 12, 2015 at 10:12 PM

    Thanks from Birmingham, Hawkins' home town. My daily radio show is entitled "Tuxedo Junction".
    --Bart

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  23. GuitarGusApril 16, 2015 at 6:39 PM

    Thanks Chubbs
    Just got to this...and it's real fun !
    Great sound...great rip
    Cheers bro

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  24. Brush&StickMay 4, 2015 at 11:53 PM

    Thanks so much for this overlooked gem!

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