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.
