This is one of Hemphill’s most frequently recorded and performed works. The archive includes various scores and parts, including a short score in holograph for alto saxophone, trumpet, cello, and bass in Music Manuscript Notebook 3. It was first recorded during the sessions for Dogon A.D. (1972), though it was not released until his next album, ’Coon Bid’ness (1975). Hemphill arranged “The Hard Blues” for big band in 1980 for performances at the Public Theatre in New York City, which are documented on archival recordings. The piece was also included in “Last Supper at Uncle Tom’s Cabin / The Promised Land,” in a version for saxophone sextet later recorded by the Julius Hemphill Sextet. Also see “Hardening.”
From Marty Ehrlich: On the recording session that produced Dogon A.D., Hemphill recorded more music than could fit on one recording, including this piece. He released it four years later on ’Coon Bid’ness. He also performed this work with his JAH band and other small groups with rhythm section.
Found on: ’Coon Bid’ness, Dogon A.D. 2011, Georgia Blue, Fat Man and the Hard Blues, The Hard Blues: Live in Lisbon.