STYLE
Hines is one
of the few pianists to have played a significant role in the shaping
of jazz history. He added to the restrictive ragtime techniques
employed by most pianists of the early-1920s, by
developing a 'trumpet style' right hand - linear lines,
sometimes in octaves, rather than the dense ragtime patterns. His
left hand departed from the usual heavy stride pattern, accenting
off-beats and breaking up these patterns with walking tenths and counterpoint
lines. In later years, his solo playing became truly ambidextrous,
with a sense of danger and true improvisation with both hands. |
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1903
Hines is brought up in Pittsburgh. His mother teaches him to play
the piano. In 1923 he moves to Chicago, and within a year is leading
a band.
1929-40
Hines forms his own band, later to become a big band, touring
and with a residency at the mafia-controlled Grand Terrace Ballroom
in Chicago. He thrives under the pressure, and the
big band is a great commercial success.
1948-51
Hines reforms his association with Armstrong
succesfully, but in time Hines resents Armstrong's control and
his own lack of star billing.
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1920s
For much of the
decade Hines is associated with Louis
Armstrong, who is to become a great rival, recording and performing
in various formats including trumpet and piano duos.
1940s
Hines forms another band and casts
a benevolent eye over the emerging bebop
movement: Charlie Parker,
Dizzy Gillespie and Wardell Gray
are members. In 1947 the band finishes and Hines returns to Chicago.
1951-1983
The 1950s sees Hines' career at a nadir and he has a Los Angeles
residency for most of the decade. His career is resurrected in the
mid-1960s, and by the 1970s he is one of a handful of jazz legends,
touring the world. He performs until a week before his death.
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