THE ERSKINE HAWKINS ORCHESTRA

Bringing back the music of the Savoy Ballroom to Lindy Focus and the world!

 
 

What is the Heritage Sounds Transcription Project?

Since 2016, Lindy Focus has taken on a project to bring back to light the music of one of the legendary bandleaders of the classic Swing era. Previous bandleaders include Chick Webb, Lionel Hampton, Jimmie Lunceford and Al Cooper. Lindy Focus ‘24 focused on reviving the music of Erskine Hawkins.

ALL SONGS FUNDED

Erskine Hawkins

 

How can you continue to support the project?

The project is fully funded and merch orders are closed. Keep an eye out for future ways to support the transcription project.

Erskine Hawkins ‘34 Letterman Jacket

Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra T-Shirt

 
 

Why Erskine Hawkins?

We do this every year because we think this music is wonderful, joyous, and important to preserve. Our hope is to be able to bring affordable, quality big band swing charts to bands, schools, and swing dancers around the world. 

  • Erskine Hawkins might just be the most underrated bandleader to ever play at the Savoy Ballroom: the music put out by his orchestra swings HARD, and they were one of the longest tenured house bands throughout the Savoy Ballroom’s storied legacy.

  • Along with Tuxedo Junction, the Hawkins team is responsible for a veritable smörgåsbord of amazing tracks, and we can’t wait to bring them to life at Lindy Focus. This project will focus mostly on the tracks Hawkins would have played during the peak swing era, though there are a couple of inclusions from the later, more Rhythm & Blues driven years as well.

Why do we do this? 

One thing that has always been true of Lindy Focus, is that the folks behind the music have never chosen to do things the easy way, and that's a big part of the reason why Lindy Focus has a reputation for excellent music. Its through the tireless (and underpaid) work of folks like Michael Gamble, Jonathan Stout, Laura Windley and many more that we are able to continue to make more of the music we love with the people we love. Without a ready and waiting audience and the support of Jazz lovers like you, this music could be lost to sands of time.