Earl Hines & His Orchestra

"Easy Rhythm"

Bluebird B-10985

December 2, 1940

Composer is James Mundy

EARL HINES AND HIS ORCHESTRA: Pee Wee Jackson, Rostelle Reese, Leroy White (tp), John Ewing, Ed Fant, Joe McLewis (tb), Leroy Harris (as), Scoops Carry (cl, as), Willie Randall (ts), Budd Johnson (cl, ts, arr), Franz Jackson (ts, arr), Earl Hines (p), Hurley Ramey (g, pedal steel-g), Truck Parham (b), Alvin Burroughs (d), Billy Eckstine, Madeline Green, The Three Varieties (Randall, Harris, Johnson) (vcl), Bingie Madison, Mort Maser, Jimmy Mundy (arr).

After working in other bands, Hines launched his own in 1928 in Chicago and stayed in the same club (The Grand Terrace) for 10 years.

He became nationally known as did many of the stand-out solo musicians he helped introduce.

They include Sarah Vaughan, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Hines’ featured vocalist Billy Eckstine.

No recordings were made when Parker and Gillespie worked for him.

Hines was famous for his performances of “Rosetta,” “A Monday Date,” “Melancholy Baby,” and other songs.

“Boogie Woogie On St. Louis Blues,” “Jelly, Jelly,” “Stormy Monday Blues,” and “Skylark” were popular.

And let's not forget "Grand Piano Blues."