Erskine Hawkins led a great band from 1939-1950, billed as the "Twentieth Century Gabriel" due to his penchant for trumpet histrionics coupled with an excellent band and fine soloists.  His first group was almost the same personnel - a group of students form Alabama Teacher's College including Dud Bascomb, Paul Bascomb, Sammy Lowe, Jimmy Mitchelle, Haywood Henry and Avery Parrish.  Their first recordings (for Vocalion) showed a very capable band with terrific soloists following in the direction of the Jimmie Lunceford band, especially with the lead alto of Bill Johnson and the Sy Oliver-influenced arrangements of Lowe.