Hal Smith: In 1965 I obtained the Good Time Jazz LP Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band—1954. Besides Ory’s righteous tailgate trombone and the fantastic rhythm section, the elegant, stately Morton-inspired piano sound on “Maple Leaf Rag” and “Wolverine Blues” and the ebullient but unhurried striding on “I Found a New Baby” made me an instant fan of Don Ewell. Next, I picked up Music To Listen To Don Ewell By—also on the Good Time Jazz label. It contained a solo piano version of “I Can’t Believe That You’re In Love With Me” that is still my favorite recording of that particular song.
Subsequently, my admiration for Don Ewell’s superb piano playing increased with each recording I heard: The trio records with Bunk Johnson and Alphonse Steele; the solo LPs on Windin’ Ball; solos, trio and quartet sides on Good Time Jazz; LPs and Club Hangover broadcasts with Kid Ory; the 1957 “studio recital” in Berkeley and home recording in Chicago; the 1966 concert with Barbara Dane and the series of solos recorded by Hank O’Neal in 1969. For me, all of those performances are desert island-worthy. When asked to name my favorite pianists from the past, I never hesitate to include Don Ewell on the list with Jelly Roll Morton, Earl Hine
