EARL HINES AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1937-1939 | The Classics Chronological Series – 538 (1990) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Another chapter in the Classics label's impressive chronological account of Earl Hines' big-band and solo piano work from 1928-1947. By this time, Hines was slipping into a bit of a routine, but for the most part the material here maintains the high standards of his benchmark work from 1934 and 1935. His top arranger, Jimmy Mundy, is on hand again, joined by Horace Henderson (Fletcher Henderson's brother) and Budd Johnson. Johnson would later flower as one of Hines' main chart-makers, and here he ably displays his talents on the churning "XYZ" and the Hines showcase "Piano Man." Hines further displays his mammoth chops on two exciting solo tracks, "The Father's Getaway" and "Reminiscing at Blue Note." And making fine contributions of their own are clarinetist Omer Simeon and trumpeters George Dixon, Ray Nance (later of Ellington fame), and Freddy Webster. A highly enjoyable if unessential disc from the Hines catalog. Stephen Cook  
Tracklist + Credits :

EARL HINES AND HIS ORCHESTRA – 1939-1940 | The Classics Chronological Series – 567 (1991) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

At the time of these recordings, Hines was in the process of re-igniting his once potent and inventive big band of the mid-'30s. And while he and his cohorts hadn't completely dropped off the quality scale -- Hines' solos, of course, always remained hot -- the group's material was beginning to dip in caliber. Then came the twin powers of arranger/tenor saxophonist Budd Johnson and singer Billy Eckstine. Picking up from his fine work on Classics' earlier 1937-1939 disc, Johnson delivers standout charts here, like "Number 19" and the novelty number "Tantalizing a Cuban." One of Hines' top arrangers from the past, Jimmy Mundy, also does his part with solid if somewhat slick cuts like "You Can Depend on Me" and "Easy Rhythm." And with Eckstine in the mix, the band finally found a genuine star vocalist. Showing the kind of swarthy tone and incredible facility that would bring him fame over the next three decades, Eckstine lights up the proceedings on classics like "Jelly, Jelly," "I'm Falling for You," and "Ann." Keeping up with the Young Turk, Hines displays his seasoned soloing chops on numbers like "Rosetta," "Body and Soul," and "Child of a Disordered Brain." Check out the mighty Hines band finding its groove again before unwittingly morphing into an incubator for bebop talent. Stephen Cook     Tracklist :