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

ALL SONGS FUNDED

Erskine Hawkins

 

How can you continue to support the project?

The project is fully funded and merch orders are closed, but we look forward to seeing you on Erskine Hawkins night at Lindy Focus ‘24!

Erskine Hawkins ‘34 Letterman Jacket

$100

Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra T-Shirt

$30

 
 

What's the plan for '24?

  • We are reaching far and wide to transcribers to take on the daunting task of writing out 15+ scores for each tune.

  • After the show, the charts will be available to the public. 

  • In addition to your name could be forever associated with bringing back one of the great swing tunes of all time, and you can even get into a VIP soundcheck rehearsal on the day of the show, as well as exclusive merch and the coveted Letterman’s Jacket!

  • Any and all money we raise is going directly to the musicians who do the transcribing and to cover the publishing and licensing fees so that the entire world can enjoy these great songs. 

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. 

Other Ways You Can Help:

Some people just can't contribute, but that doesn't mean you can't help: