Recording information: Chicago (06/28/1932-03/27/1934); New York City (06/28/1932-03/27/1934); Chicago (07/01/1932-03/27/1933); New York City (07/01/1932-03/27/1933); Chicago (10/27/1933); New York City (10/27/1933).
This LP and Hep 1003 contain the entire recorded output of Earl Hines's big band of 1932-33 (including all of the alternate takes), an underrated orchestra. At the time Hines's featured soloists were trumpeter/singer Walter Fuller, trombonist Trummy Young, and the reeds of Darnell Howard, Omer Simeon and Cecil Irwin, in addition to the brilliant pianist/leader. The fine arrangements (particularly Jimmy Mundy's) show off this band's power. "Blue Drag," "Rosetta," "Cavernism," "Madhouse" and "Swingin' Down" are among the best performances. ~ Scott Yanow
