Fatha's Day: An Earl Hines Songbook cover

Fatha's Day: An Earl Hines Songbook

John Hicks · 2002

64 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A heartfelt tribute, blending sophisticated jazz piano with rich emotional undercurrents inspired by the legacy of Earl Hines.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Rosetta Start here — This track opens the album with a bright, swinging rhythm that captures Hines' energetic style while allowing Hicks' virtuosity to shine through.
  • →
    Remembering Earl and Marva — This piece reflects on personal memories intertwined with musical legacy, showcasing Hicks' ability to evoke nostalgia through intricate melodies and harmonies.
  • →
    Sweet and Lovely — A classic standard that Hicks reinterprets with warmth and depth, demonstrating how he honors traditional jazz while infusing it with his own expressive flair.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Hicks' tribute blends technical skill with emotional depth, though it remains niche within jazz.

What we noticed

  • Each track maintains a distinct mood, with several pieces employing varying tempos and dynamics to create emotional contrasts.
  • The last three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo, allowing the album to conclude on a reflective note.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • inviting for late-night listening
  • reflective moments amid vibrant melodies
  • for intimate gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike extended instrumental explorations
  • prefer fast-paced, energetic music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — A tribute album showcasing Hicks' deep understanding of Hines, cherished by dedicated fans.
Career context
By 2002, John Hicks was an established jazz pianist known for his work in both small groups and larger ensembles. 'Fatha's Day: An Earl Hines Songbook' followed his acclaimed album 'Something to Live For' from 2000, further showcasing his dedication to honoring jazz greats while solidifying his own artistic presence.
Stylistic neighbors
McCoy Tyner· Chick Corea· Ahmad Jamal

Tracklist

  • 1 Rosetta Start here 4:10
  • 2 Almost Spring 7:06
  • 3 Remembering Earl and Marva 3:31
  • 4 Serenata 6:14
  • 5 Poor Butterfly 4:32
  • 6 My Monday Date 7:55
  • 7 Fatha's Bedtime Story 3:17
  • 8 Sweet and Lovely 6:18
  • 9 Rhythm Run (Uphill) 4:21
  • 10 You Can Depend on Me 5:39
  • 11 Twelve Bars for Linton 4:35
  • 12 Synopsis 6:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata