[78-L] Earl Hines

[Ron L'Herault]

This reminds me of the time in the early 1970s that I saw Teddy Wilson and
his sons perform at a lounge in the Biltmore Hotel, Providence.  There were
no more than 15 of us there that night and maybe even less.  We got to chat
with them, give requests and listen, intently and intimately.  I couldn't
understand why there was not a mob of people to hear this great pianist.

Ron L

-----Original Message-----
From: 78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com
[mailto:78-l-bounces at klickitat.78online.com] On Behalf Of RUSSELL BARNES
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 5:52 AM
To: 78-l at klickitat.78online.com
Subject: [78-L] Earl Hines



During 1965, as a mature student, I spent a year several months in
Southampton University (UK) 
  
Imagine my astonishment when I read a diminutive note on the Student’s
Events board announcing that, in a week’s time, an Earl Hines would be
playing the piano in one of the minor lecture rooms.   Ridiculous - was my
immediate reaction.     I visited the Student’s Enquiries office where a
bemused clerk said “Who’s Earl Hines.   We got a letter sayin’ he’s
available so we booked him”. 
  
On the day Ernie Bayly (Talking Machine Review) and I arrived at the lecture
room where less than a dozen students were waiting.    Earl arrived
(somewhat bemused) – sat at a nice grand piano and played.  Within ten
minutes some of the teenaged students found this wasn’t their cup o tea -
and most left. 
  
We both moved close to the piano and Earl realised he had a least two
appreciative listeners.   He finished the first set early and the three of
us found a bar where we bought Earl a drink with our apologies for the poor
turn out. 
  
He explained that he was on a somewhat hastily arranged US funded
Educational-Good Will tour to Europe.   He went on to say that where he
lived in the US he was an honorary member of his local Fire Service. They,
it appeared, were flush with money and helped sponsor his tour. 
  
The second half was a dream come true.  About ten of us sat close to the
piano as Earl played and chatted, weaving through his background in Jazz –
I’d seen him previously within the rigours of a Theater arena - but this was
something very different.   He was spellbinding !!.  
  
But so was Art Tatum – let’s not go down that road again. 
  
Russ B. 
  
  
 
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