[78-L] EARL HINES.

[Steven C. Barr]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Julian Vein" <julianvein at blueyonder.co.uk>
> Spats wrote:
>> Hi!
>> I couldn't disagree more. I saw him play live and he was one of the
>> most exciting pianists I've ever heard. He was way ahead of his time
>> and certainly a great partner for Louis Armstrong in the early days.
>> Try playing 'Weatherbird' and the Savoy Ballroom 5 records of the
>> late 20s. His big band was likewise ground-breaking!
>> (This is not just because I share his name!). ;-)
>> Earl Okin.
> ==============
> Once again, I'm talking about his piano playing, not his bands. I do
> like the Decca band sides quite a bit. I agree his playing was often
> inventive but, it seems to me, devoid of emotion. "Weatherbird" is a
> rather bitty performance. And I'll reiterate his work on the Cozy Cole
> and Charlie Shavers Keynotes is chaotic--he keeps jumping from one idea
> to another without any logical connection.
>
Sadly, "inventive, but devoid of emotion" is an accurate and convenient way
to describe what tries (and fails!) to pass itself off as "blues" here in 
the
21st century...?!

Given to-days (so-called) "blues musicians," I'm almost embarrased to
call myself a "blues player...?!"

Steven C. Barr