An Evening With Earl Hines: A Timeless Jazz Journey You Can’t Miss
If you’re into jazz, or even if you just like music that feels like it’s got soul and a heartbeat, An Evening With Earl Hines is one of those albums you gotta sit with. Released in 2003 (yeah, I know, Earl recorded this way back, but good music doesn’t age, right?), it’s a treasure chest of swing, bop, and piano jazz vibes that’ll have your head nodding and maybe even your feet tapping without you realizing it. The album came out on labels like Jazz Vogue and Chiaroscuro Records, which kinda tells you it’s legit. And let me tell ya, the team behind this—Bert Dahlander on drums, Tiny Grimes shredding guitar, Hank Young holding down bass, and Earl himself tickling those ivories—is pure magic.
Now, let’s talk tracks. There are some real gems here, but two stood out to me so much they’ve been stuck in my brain for days. First up, “Memories of You.” Man, this tune hits different. It’s not just the melody—it’s how Earl plays it, like he’s telling you a story through the keys. Every note feels personal, like he’s whispering secrets from another era. Then there’s Marva Josie jumping in with vocals on a couple tracks, adding this smooth layer that makes everything richer. Honestly, when I hear this track, I think about old black-and-white photos and smoky clubs where people danced without caring what anyone thought. That’s the vibe.
Another standout is “Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues.” This one? Pure energy. If you’re having a bad day, put this on, and suddenly life doesn’t seem so heavy anymore. Earl’s piano work here is wild yet controlled, like he’s showing off but also inviting you to join the fun. Tiny Grimes’ guitar riffs weave in perfectly, making it impossible not to move. Like… come on, try sitting still while this plays. Impossible. By the end of it, you’ll feel like you’ve had a shot of espresso straight to the veins.
What’s cool about this album is how it balances chill moments with high-energy ones. One minute you’re lost in dreamy ballads, the next you’re ready to grab someone and dance till your shoes fall off. And yeah, sure, the remastering by Jon Bates gives it a crisp sound, but honestly, the heart of the music feels untouched, raw, and real.
So, reflection time. Listening to An Evening With Earl Hines made me realize something kinda weird. Jazz isn’t just music; it’s more like a conversation. Each instrument talks back and forth, arguing and agreeing, laughing and sighing together. And somehow, after all these years, Earl Hines still manages to keep the dialogue alive. Oh, and random thought—how does someone make a piano sound happy? Seriously. Earl figured that out.
Bottom line: whether you’re a hardcore jazz fan or just looking for something fresh to spin, this album deserves a spot in your collection. Just don’t blame me if you start humming “Boogie Woogie” at 3 AM.
