Earl Fatha Hines: innovative and influential jazz pianist

Earl "Fatha" Hines (1903–1983) was one of the most innovative and influential jazz pianists of all time, often hailed as the "Father of Modern Jazz Piano." With a career that spanned over six decades, Hines not only redefined the role of the piano in jazz but also played a crucial role in shaping the sound of big band and swing music. His infectious energy, dazzling technique, and groundbreaking improvisational style left an indelible mark on jazz history.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Earl Hines grew up in a musical household—his father was a cornet player, and his mother an organist. Though he initially began studying the cornet, Hines switched to piano at a young age, a decision that would transform the jazz world. By his late teens, he was already playing professionally in Pittsburgh before making the move to Chicago, the jazz capital of the 1920s.

Chicago and the Birth of a New Sound
In Chicago, Hines quickly made a name for himself as a virtuoso pianist with a distinct style that set him apart from his contemporaries. His innovative approach—playing "trumpet-style" piano, using single-note lines in the right hand like a horn player—was groundbreaking. This technique gave his playing a bold, forward-driving energy that was perfectly suited for the new and developing sound of jazz.

Earl Hines teamed up with Louis Armstrong in 1927, forming a duo that would become legendary. Their collaboration resulted in some of the most important recordings in jazz history, including the famous "Hot Five" and "Hot Seven" sessions. Tracks like West End Blues and Weather Bird featured Hines's revolutionary piano playing, which provided a perfect counterpart to Armstrong's trumpet.

Big Band Leader and Swing Innovator
In 1928, Earl Hines took a major leap and formed his own big band, becoming one of the key figures in the swing era. For over two decades, Earl Hines and His Orchestra became one of the most exciting and influential big bands, known for its rhythmic drive, bold brass arrangements, and, of course, Hines's electrifying piano solos. His band was a training ground for young jazz stars, including future legends like Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billy Eckstine.

One of his big hits during this period was Rosetta, a tune that became a jazz standard, reflecting his ability to combine complex musicianship with catchy, danceable rhythms. His band was also notable for its longevity and consistent popularity, surviving through the Great Depression and the rapidly changing musical landscape.

Bebop and Later Career
As jazz evolved in the 1940s, Earl Hines continued to stay at the forefront. He embraced the bebop movement, hiring pioneering musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker into his band, helping to shape the future of jazz once again. Hines's openness to new sounds and young talent kept him relevant well into the bebop and modern jazz eras.

By the 1950s, Hines was still going strong, though the big band era was in decline. He shifted gears and focused more on small groups and solo performances. His solo piano work, in particular, displayed his extraordinary range and creativity, showcasing the depth of his improvisational genius.

The Great Comeback
In the 1960s, Earl Hines experienced a major career resurgence. After spending years playing in relative obscurity, a critically acclaimed solo concert at New York's Little Theater in 1964 brought him back into the spotlight. Critics and audiences were reminded of his brilliance, leading to a series of triumphant international tours and recordings. Hines was now hailed as a living legend, performing to packed houses and receiving numerous accolades.

He continued to perform and record prolifically into his later years, collaborating with other jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and influencing a new generation of pianists with his exuberant, playful, and technically masterful style.

Legacy
Earl Hines's influence on jazz piano is immeasurable. His unique "trumpet-style" piano playing paved the way for modern jazz pianists, and his innovations in rhythm and improvisation laid the groundwork for the swing and bebop movements. Dubbed the "father of modern jazz piano," his energetic and inventive approach inspired countless musicians and remains a touchstone for jazz pianists to this day.

Whether leading a big band, collaborating with jazz titans, or performing solo, Earl Hines was always at the heart of the jazz scene, bringing joy, vitality, and innovation to every performance. His contributions to jazz are timeless, and his music continues to swing and sparkle with life, even decades after his passing.

Earl Hines vinyl records:

 Jazz Music LP

The Earl Hines Trio - Fatha (CBS 21104)

Format: LP - CBS Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Earl Hines Concert (SM 3074)

Format: LP - Joker Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines and Paul Gonsalves - It Don't Mean A Thing (BLP 30153)

Format: LP - Black-Lion Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - In New Orleans (MTLP 014)

Format: LP - Magnum-Music-Group Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - The Indispensable Earl Hines Volumes 5 and 6 (1944-1966) (PM 45358)

Format: LP - RCA Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Earl Hines Live At The New School (Volume Two) (CR 180)

Format: LP - Chiaroscuro Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - The Incomparable Earl Fatha Hines (GLP 316)

Format: LP - Gala Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Fatha Hines, Ralph Carmichael's Swingin' Big Band - The Fabulous Earl Fatha Hines With Ralph Carmichael's Swingin' Big Band (MFP 1270)

Format: LP - MFP Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - The Indispensable Earl Hines Volume 3 (1940-1942) (FPM1 7000)

Format: LP - RCA Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines, Budd Johnson - The Dirty Old Men (33.084)

Format: LP - Black-and-Blue Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines, Harry Edison - Earl Meets Harry (33.131)

Format: LP - Black-and-Blue Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines, Jimmy Rushing - Blues and Things (CMDMA 9585)

Format: LP - Disques-Vogue Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Fatha Hines - Blues In Thirds (JJ-611)

Format: LP - Green-Line Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Hines '65 (T 539)

Format: LP - The-World-Record-Club-Limited Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Paris Sessions (DUX 40262)

Format: LP - Ducretet-Thomson Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Earl Hines in New Orleans (CR 200)

Format: LP - Chiaroscuro Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

The Earl Hines Trio - Fatha (BPG 62527)

Format: LP - CBS Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Father's Freeway (NL89594)

Format: LP - Jazzline Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - The Earl Hines Collection: 20 Golden Greats (DVLP 2057)

Format: LP - Deja-Vu Records. ---H

 Jazz Music LP

Earl Hines - Blues In Thirds (FJL 902)

Format: LP - Fontana Records. ---H