The Hi De Ho Man Review

07/13/2005 5:25 AM, AMG


This double LP from 1974 is a bit brief, only including 20 performances by Cab Calloway and his orchestra (around an hour of music). Several periods are covered with titles from 1935 ("Nagasaki"), the 1938-42 period and nine fairly rare selections from 1945-47. Highpoints include "Jumpin' Jive," "Fifteen Minute Intermission," a 1941 version of "St. James Infirmary," "Hi De Ho Man" and a 1942 rendition of "Minnie the Moocher." On the later tracks Calloway tries to adapt his sound to rhythm & blues but, despite his best efforts, his orchestra would not survive the 1940s. The earlier titles have been reissued on CD by the Classics label and hopefully Columbia will get around to compiling a more generous Cab Calloway package in the future. The music on this two-fer is generally not classic but will be found enjoyable by his fans. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide