Keep That Hi-De-Hi In Your Soul: 1933-1937 Review

07/13/2005 7:35 AM, AMG


A decent compilation of songs from Cab Calloway's earlier period (1933-1937). There are certainly some forgettable songs present. For that matter, some of the memorable songs ("Minnie the Moocher") are performed in a somewhat dilapidated manner. Still, getting some of the early works is a worthwhile venture. "The Scat Song" is an example of exceptionally early usage of scat (post-Armstrong, but still pre-Dizzy), and "Keep That Hi-De-Hi in Your Soul" is a wonderful example of Calloway's businessman-like capitalization on the popularity of "Minnie the Moocher" and its refrains. On top of this, the bands in usage are some of Calloway's better ones, including Doc Cheatham, Chu Berry, and Ben Webster. A better album, for newcomers and fans alike, might be Columbia's Are You Hep to the Jive?, a collection of sorts from Calloway's active years of recording. Pick Keep That Hi-De-Hi in Your Soul up if you're a fan that already has the Columbia recordings, but otherwise look first for Are You Hep to the Jive? ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide