Earl Hines & Jimmy Rushing: Blues & Things

by Scott YanowOriginally the initial release from the Master Jazz label, this fine session was reissued on a New World CD in 1997. Pianist Earl Hines and singer Jimmy Rushing had crossed paths many times through the years, but this was their first joint recording; in addition, this was the first official recording by Hines' 1967-69 quartet, a unit also including Budd Johnson on tenor and soprano, bassist Bill Pemberton and drummer Oliver Jackson. Although getting co-billing, Rushing was really a guest on the date, appearing on just four of the nine numbers. Although he sounds a little raspy on "Exactly Like You," Rushing is otherwise in prime form, also singing "Am I Blue," "Save It Pretty Mama" and a rocking "St. Louis Blues." Hines is typically brilliant on his "One Night In Trinidad" and rollicking on the multi-key "Changin' the Blues," while the underrated Johnson shows just how distinctive he was on both of his horns. Recommended.