Earl Hines • The Quintessential Recording Session

Pianist Earl Hines recorded prolifically throughout his career, particularly during 1928-79. He made a major comeback in 1965 after almost being forgotten by many jazz critics, and his next dozen years were full of constant performances and quite a few dazzling recordings. One of the most interesting and rewarding of his projects took place on March 15, 1970, resulting in an album called The Quintessential Recording Session. Hines’ very first solo piano recordings had taken place on Dec. 1, 1928, and consisted of eight pieces. Over 41 years later, he re-recorded all eight songs for the album. After being persuaded to undergo the project, Hines realized that he had rarely ever played some of the tunes, such as “Chicago High Life,” “Chimes In Blues,” and “Panther Rag,” since 1928, and he had largely forgotten how they went. The pianist actually had to listen to the original recordings to re-familiarize himself with his own songs but that did not take long. At 66, he was just as brilliant a pianist as he had been at the earlier date in 1928 when he was about to turn 25. His improvising on such numbers as “My Monday Date,” “Blues In Thirds,” and “Stowaway” was filled with his trademark chance-taking breaks that suspended time, his playing of octaves was typically flawless, and he swung hard while constantly pushing himself. If anything, his playing was a bit wi
You've read three articles this month! That makes you one of a rare breed, the true jazz fan!

The Syncopated Times is a monthly publication covering traditional jazz, ragtime and swing. We have the best historic content anywhere, and are the only American publication covering artists and bands currently playing Hot Jazz, Vintage Swing, or Ragtime. Our writers are legends themselves, paid to bring you the best coverage possible. Advertising will never be enough to keep these stories coming, we need your SUBSCRIPTION. Get unlimited access for $30 a year or $50 for two.

Not ready to pay for jazz yet? Register a Free Account for two weeks of unlimited access without nags or pop ups.

Already Registered? Log In

If you shouldn't be seeing this because you already logged in try refreshing the page.

Or look at our Subscription Options.