A Brief Listening Guide
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Billy Strayhorn on WYSO 91.3 FM
Tune in to Jazz Night Tuesday's in March for a deep dive into a treasure trove of Billy Strayhorn music. Host Dave Barber will feature Strayhorn compositions and arrangements extending from 1939 to the mid sixties including music featuring Strayhorn on piano and interpretations of his work from a wide range of musicians. Programming will also include a radio documentary about the composer, produced at WBGO in Newark. Features will take place on March 17-24-31. Jazz Night airs between 8-10 p.m. Tuesdays on WYSO 91.3 FM.
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Duke
Ellington: Never
No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band
(RCA) |
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An astonishing collection of music from America’s most creative big band at its zenith in the early 1940s. Tucked in are some of Strayhorn’s most enduring music; the original versions of “Take The A Train”, “Chelsea Bridge” (tailored for tenor saxophonist Ben Webster), “Johnny Come Lately”, “Raincheck” and others. |
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Duke
Ellington and his Orchestra: ...
And His Mother Called Him Bill
(RCA) |
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A magnificent tribute from his mentor and collaborator, recorded shortly after Strayhorn's passing in 1967. Sitting at the center of the record are a set of heartfelt features from one of Strayhorn's supreme interpreters, saxophonist Johnny Hodges.
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Billy
Strayhorn: Piano Passion
(Storyville) |
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One of a handful of recordings with Strayhorn as leader. A rare chance to hear his distinctive piano playing and a dreamscape of unusual orchestrations (some with vocal backing) set to both his more famous and obscure compositions. |
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Jazz Orchestra: Portrait
of a Silk Thread, So
This Is Love (Challenge) |
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With the research of Strayhorn expert Walter van de Leur in hand, this Danish big band has brought to light previously unheard Strayhorn compositions and arrangements. In some cases this music was heard in abbreviated or altered form from the Ellington band. These two cds (which form the core of a larger set) present his music at it was originally scored, performed with skill and passion. |
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Duke Ellington: The Far East Suite
(RCA Bluebird) |
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Created following a 1963 State Department tour by the Ellington orchestra through the Near and Middle East, The Far East Suite is one of Ellington and Strayhorn's most inspired collaborations. Strayhorn's contributions include two superb movements, Agra and Bluebird Of Delhi, topped only by another masterpiece feature for Hodges, the gorgeous Isfahan. |
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Lush Life: The Billy Strayhorn Songbook
(Verve) |
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The musical companion to David Hajdu's bio, this single disc sweeps in an wide
array of stylistic approaches to the Strayhorn canon, including Sarah Vaughan's elegant take
on the title tune, a heartstopping performance of Blood Count by Stan Getz plus Cecil Taylor
and Steve Lacy mashing up Johnny Come Lately at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival.
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Art
Farmer: Something
to Live For
(Contemporary) |
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Thoughtfully arranged and executed, trumpeter Art Farmer created one of the first and most memorable small ensemble salutes to Strayhorn with his quintet (featuring tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist James Williams, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith) in 1987. |
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Joe
Henderson: Lush
Life
(Verve) |
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This superb tribute helped kick-start a renaissance of interest in Strayhorn’s music in the 1990s. The Lima, Ohio-born tenor saxophone master shifts tempos through the deep textures of some of Strayhorn’s most memorable music. |
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