Hal Kemp and His Orchestra - Hiawathas Lullaby ~1933

Hal Kemp, born James Hal Kemp on March 27, 1904 in Marion, Alabama started his first band while still in high school. By 19, he was leading the University of North Carolina band, the Carolina Club Orchestra, and with them on a trip to England, even got to perform with the Prince of Wales himself. News of this arrived stateside faster than they did and upon their arrival to the US, were met with multiple contract offers. In 1927, Hal Kemp formed his own band and was quickly renowned for his upbeat jazz.
In the 1930's with the great depression in full swing, Kemp's band calmed with the market and became known for soothing "sweet" dance music. From 1932 to 1934, they performed at the Blackhawk Restaurant in Chicago as well as performing regularly on multiple radio broadcasts. Garnering national attention, they signed a contract with Brunswick Records. Vocals were usually sung by Skinny Ennis, and many arrangements were penned by John Scott Trotter featuring trumpeted staccato triplets and clarinets played through megaphones giving Kemp a unique sound and setting him apart from the rest. The 30's brought a string of hits for the band: "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" (1933), "In the Middle of a Kiss" (1935), "There's a Small Hotel" (1936), "When I'm With You" (1936), "This Year's Kisses" (1937), and "Where or When" (1937). From 1937, Kemp contracted with Victor and continued cranking out popular songs.
With John Scott Trotter leaving in 1936 and Ennis leaving in 1938, the band took a bit of punch, and so started a period of rapid changes in band membership. With the rising popularity of swing bands such as those of Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, Kemp's popularity was waning.
Hal Kemp died at age 36 in 1940 as the result of a car accident while driving to a performance in San Francisco in foggy conditions. Without it's leader, the orchestra lasted a few more years before disbanding.
Today's song, "Hiawatha's Lullaby" was originally penned by Walter Donaldson and Joe Young. This is Hal's take on the song with Skinny Ennis providing vocals. The song was recorded May 4, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois with the following lineup: Hal Kemp (clarinet/alto sax), Mickey Bloom or Bunny Berigan (trumpet), Jimmy James (trombone), Joe Gillespie (clarinet/alto sax), Ben Williams (Clarinet/alto or baritone sax), Saxie Dowell (clarinet/tenor sax), John Scott Trotter (piano), Pinky Kintzle (banjo/guitar), Paul Weston (Bass), and Skinny Ennis (drums)

[@spencersmith2798]

Fine.

[@tedlawrence4189]

Not in my Kemp collection. Not common a common disc. Love Ennis!