Strayhorn, Billy

Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Strayhorn CD a winner
  • Correction Re: "previously unrecorded" status of tune
  • Sophisticated Strayhorn
 Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life
Billy Strayhorn
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000LSAJ52
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

  1. Fantastic Rhythm
  2. Rain Check
  3. Lush Life
  4. Satin Doll
  5. Something to Live For
  6. Johnny Come Lately
  7. Day Dream
  8. Tonk
  9. Chelsea Bridge
  10. My Little Brown Book
  11. Valse
  12. Blood Count (My Flame Burns Blue)
  13. The Flowers Die of Love
  14. Lotus Blossom
  15. So This Is Love

Amazon.com

From 1938, until his death in 1967, composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn was so entwined with Duke Ellington that musicologists are still trying to figure out where the former ends and the latter begins. On this companion soundtrack to the PBS documentary, pianists Bill Charlap and Hank Jones display their solo chops on the stridish "Fantastic Rhythm" and the soulful "Satin Doll" and reprise the great Ellington-Strayhorn four-hand piano workout, "Tonk." Vocalist Dianne Reeves and guitarist Russell Malone brilliantly navigate the harmonic challenges of the title track, while she and her rhythm section dance "Something to Live For" with an Ahmad Jamal bounce. Tenor saxophonist Ben Webster would approve of Joe Lovano's quartet rendition of "Chelsea Bridge," featuring Jones, bassist George Mraz, and drummer Paul Motian. Lovano and Charlap anchor Elvis Costello's languid lyrics on "My Flame Burns Blue (Blood Count)," adding another interpretive layer to the eternal artistry of this compelling and confounding musician. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Album Description

Companion soundtrack to Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life, a 90-minute documentary film about the pioneering African-American composer, arranger and pianist. The film presents Strayhorn's fascinating life as it has never been told before, showcasing his talent and passions, as well as taking a hard look at his complex relationship with Duke Ellington and illuminating the issues that prevented Strayhorn from receiving the full recognition he deserved.

Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life, the soundtrack, features 15 Strayhorn compositions performed by several of today's jazz stars, including Blue Note artists Bill Charlap, Joe Lovano, and Dianne Reeves, as well as piano legend Hank Jones and special guest Elvis Costello.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Strayhorn CD a winner.......2007-03-31

The CD resulting from the PBS Lush Life documentary is a prize. I only wish there had been a way to include a couple of performances by Ellington-Strayhorn era people such as Johnny Hodges' Passion Flower. Most of us collectors have that, however, so it is not a great oversight.
But to hear great pianists of different generations doing Strayhorn justice (Bill Charlap and the ageless Hank Jones) is fantastic. And Diane Reeves has become the newest pretender to Ella's throne. What a great choice for the vocals. The only thing better must be having the dvd of the marvelous documentary on the life of an important and somewhat overlooked composer, Billy Strayhorn.

3 out of 5 stars Correction Re: "previously unrecorded" status of tune.......2007-02-08

A previously reviewer wrote this was worth buying for "works that have not been recorded before, such as: 'Fantastic Rhythm', 'Valse', 'The Flowers Die Of Love' and 'So This Is Love'"....

Actually, all of those compositions have been recorded previously thanks to the efforts of the Dutch Jazz Orchestra/Jerry Van Rooijen and musicologist Walter van de Leur (who was interviewed on-camera for the Strayhorn PBS documentary). The albums "So This Is Love" "Portrait of a Silk Thread" and "Something to Live For" are full of previously unrecorded Strayhorn (previous to the late 1990s), most with original big band orchestration. Some feature vocals by Marjorie Barnes (I believe that's her name). All are available as part of a 4-CD box that also includes a CD of Strayhorn arrangents of standards (i.e. "Great American Songbook" popular music).

Also worth exploring are the two studio sessions that could properly be called Strayhorn solo albums: "The Peaceful Side of Billy Strayhorn" (originally on United Artists, now on CD from one of the EMI imprints) and the post-humously released "Lush Life" CD on Red Baron records, which is a studio recording of Strayhorn's 1965 New School concert (mentioned in the documentary).This last CD features some of the rare vocal tunes by Strayhorn heard in the documentary and on the tie-in CD reviewed on this page.

It's wonderful that all of this music, new and old, is out on CD and showing off the gifts of Strayhorn. I would recommend buying the Dutch Jazz Orchestra and Strayhorn solo discs before buying the CDs that are tie-ins to David Hadju's excellent Lush Life biography and this new PBS documentary.

4 out of 5 stars Sophisticated Strayhorn.......2007-01-28

The twenty-nine year partnership between Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington produced an unrivaled body of work. Running the gamut from popular songs and jazz compositions to orchestral suites and theatrical scores the fruits of their collaboration have a truly timeless quality and continue to inspire and intrigue musicians and audiences alike.
"Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life" is a 90-minute documentary which will debut nationally as part of PBS's Independent Lens series on Feb. 6. As one would expect, the complex relationship between these two pioneering African-American musicians and the resultant mystique will be a central theme in this first in-depth exploration of the brilliant composer/pianist/arrangers life.
The companion soundtrack of the same name has recently released by Blue Note and it is an elegant star-studded affair. Covering some of Strayhorn's most enduring compositions, the disc also spotlights equally satisfying lesser known titles too.
It is no coincidence since Strayhorn was a pianist that the instrument is prominent throughout courtesy of Bill Charlap, Hank Jones, and Peter Martin. Charlap takes solo strolls on both the disc opening "Fantastic Rhythm" and the classical piece "Valse." Jones goes it alone on the Ellington/Strayhorn gem "Satin Doll" while he and Charlap offer up an inspired four-handed rendition of "Tonk," which was originally performed in a similar fashion by Strayhorn and Ellington.
Dianne Reeves delivers vocals on six of the fifteen tunes. Strayhorn's signature piece "Lush Life" is a stark duet with guitarist Russell Malone. "Something to Live For," "Day Dream," "My Little Brown Book" and the more obscure "The Flowers Die of Love" and "So This Is Love" all feature her accompanied by a trio.
Playing tenor exclusively, saxophonist Joe Lovano's dream quartet of Jones on piano, George Mraz on bass, and Paul Motian on drums put a masterful touch on "Rain Check," "Johnny Come Lately," "Chelsea Bridge" and "Lotus Blossom." He also teams up with Charlap to back Elvis Costello as he delivers the lyrics he penned to "Blood Count," the last composition Strayhorn composed. Re-titled here as "My Flame Burns Blue," the trio delivers a haunting, evocative performance.
Many of the performances on the disc, particularly those by Reeves are also presented visually in the film.
Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Had the potential for so, so much more, but still...
  • Great introduction...
  • A MUST HAVE FOR ALL ELLINGTON STRAYHORN FANS!
  • A rare look at Hodges and Strayhorn without Ellington
  • Great ballads.
 Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and the Orchestra
Johnny Hodges
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000HYIF
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

  1. Don't Get Around Much Anmore
  2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
  3. Gal From Joe's
  4. Your Love Has Faded
  5. I'm Just A Lucky So-And-So
  6. Jeep's Blues
  7. Day Dream
  8. Juice A-Plenty
  9. Azure
  10. Tailor Made
  11. Star Dust

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Had the potential for so, so much more, but still..........2007-02-19

When I first looked at the track listing for this record I was dissipointed. Why hadn't Strayhorn taken the chance to unleash 12 new compositions, or atleast re arrange some older ones for Hodges. After all, Strayhorn created a set of Ballads for Hodges that it has got to be at the top of any music created in the century. Among them; "The Ballad Of The Very Sad Lotus Eaters", "Day Dream", "Your Love Has Faded", "Passion Flower", "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing", "Snibor", "Blood Count", "After All", "Isafan", "Star-Crossed Lovers", "Half The Fun") Well it turns out that this is a Hodges record, and simply wanted to make a greatest hits record of sorts. A record to answer all the requests from the fans. To make it not sound like a rehashing of already recorded songs, he convinced Strayhorn to become the arranger/conductor of the project. Only Strayhorn's "Your Love Has Faded" and "Day Dream" (both pathetically co creditied to Ellington) are his own. Despite Rudy Van Gelder silly recording quality (huge reverb with high shrills in the trumpet section) and the somewhat dissipiointing selection of tracks, its turns out to be a memorable albums because of Johnny's performance. Johnny sounds inspired here, even on classics like "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and "I Got It Bad And That Ain't Good". Lawrence Brown gets to solo quite a few times and closes the set with a interpertation of "Stardust". He is to my eyes, the greatest trombonist of any big band. Strayhorn's contributions are noticted throughout the thoughtfully warm arrangements. "I'm Just A Lucky So and So" in particular is beautifully arranged, while "Jeeps Blues" holds its impact better when Duke is at the helm. All in all an interesting record by one of the all time masters.

5 out of 5 stars Great introduction..........2000-03-11

Listening to this CD has prompted me to start buying more music from this time/style. Sensuous, playful, teasing, mellow, tender... just some of the adjectives that are evoked while listening to Mr. Hodges' saxophone. This one will be on my playlist for a long, long time...

5 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE FOR ALL ELLINGTON STRAYHORN FANS!.......1999-08-17

And that goes for all Johnny Hodges fans too. If you hear a more lovely reading of "Your Love Has Faded" anywhere, I'd like to know where. Hodges was at the pinnacle of his career and Strayhorn finally got some overdue recognition and lee way to do a fantastic album of covers and originals. Its unknown exactly what was Strayhorn's and what was Ellington's when it came to the big band's compositions, but some of the very best are right here. Where "Faded" moans in an achingly beautiful way, "Tailor Made" and "Juice-A-Plenty" really swing! It is important to remember that Johnny Hodges, while being a very articulate man (probably brushed off from Duke himself) could barely read or even sign his name. Thank God he knew how to play sax!!!

5 out of 5 stars A rare look at Hodges and Strayhorn without Ellington.......1999-04-28

This disc which is the result of a session in 1961 that features Johhny Hodges on alto sax with Billy Strayhorn as the band leader. Detail of the session is related in Lush Life the biographpy of Billy Strayhorn (pg 217). Briefly, Strayhorn was given free rein in providing new arrangments of songs by Ellington, Hodges and himself. In the 30 plus years they worked together Strayhorn used the Ellington orchestra to feature Hodges. However, this disc really puts Hodges in the forefront of the orchestra and the results are tremendous. Hodges, under Strayhorns direction gives top notch redendtions of 2 of the greatest songs they did together, Day Dream and I Got It Bad. I haven't stopped playing this disc, comparing the arrangements by Strayhorn and playing by Hodges against other Ellington discs. Another one you may want to try is "And His Mother Called Him Bill" which I think is Hodges greatest performance. Oh by the way, Happy 100th Birthday Duke (April 29th) We love you madly!

4 out of 5 stars Great ballads........1999-04-15

Very nice playing, especially on the ballads like "I Got it Bad..." "Your Love Has Faded" and "Day Dream." Hodges' solos on these tracks are achingly pretty and Strayhorn's arrangements are elegant.
Pops Stoppers: Greatest Hits of the Boston Pops Orchestra
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Pops Stoppers
 Pops Stoppers: Greatest Hits of the Boston Pops Orchestra

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000041CP
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

  1. Sophisticated Ladies (Medley) - A Tribute to Duke Ellington:: Sophiscated Lady - Take the 'A' Train - Mood Indigo - It Don't Mean A Thing
  2. When The Saints Go Marchin' In

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Pops Stoppers.......2007-05-06

Thank you for sending this--excellent recording. Great music, and enjoyed by all generations in our family...from 19 yrs.....to 90 yrs....We all have enjoyed it so much.....Thank you...
A Proper Introduction to Billy Strayhorn: Passion Flower
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		A Proper Introduction to Billy Strayhorn: Passion Flower
    Billy Strayhorn
    Manufacturer: Proper Introduction
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    5. Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn

    ASIN: B0001P2KM0
    Release Date: 2004-04-05

    Tracks:

    1. (I Want) Something to Live For
    2. Grievin'
    3. Day Dream
    4. After All
    5. Clementine
    6. Passion Flower
    7. Raincheck
    8. Chelsea Bridge
    9. Kissing Bug
    10. Midriff
    11. Flower Is a Lovesome Thing
    12. Flippant Flurry
    13. Progressive Gavotte
    14. Lotus Blossom
    15. Lush Life
    16. Snibor
    17. Eight Veil
    18. Brown Betty
    19. Johnny Come Lately
    20. Take the "A" Train
    21. Satin Doll
    My Flame Burns Blue
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • An undiscovered gem.
    • Elvis Costello does jazz!
    • Is It Elvis(Presley) or Duke Ellington Or both?
    • This man does it all
    • Our little overachiever
    		 My Flame Burns Blue

    Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000E0OF0W
    Release Date: 2006-02-28

    Tracks:

    1. Hora Decubitus
    2. Favourite Hour
    3. That's how you got killed before
    4. Upon a Veil of Midnight Blue
    5. Clubland
    6. Almost Blue
    7. Speak Darkly My Angel
    8. Almost ideal eyes
    9. Can You Be True?
    10. Put away forbidden playthings
    11. Episode Of Blonde
    12. My flame burns blue (Blood Count)
    13. Watching the Detectives
    14. God give me strength

    Tracks:

    1. Prelude
    2. Overture
    3. Puck One
    4. The Court
    5. Workers' Playtime
    6. Oberon and Titania
    7. The Conspiracy of Oberon and Puck
    8. Puck Two
    9. The Identity Parade
    10. The Face of Bottom
    11. The Spark of Love
    12. Tormentress
    13. Oberon Humbeld
    14. Twisted - Entangled - Transform and Exchange
    15. The Fairy and the Ass
    16. Sleep
    17. The Play
    18. The Wedding

    Amazon.com

    Elvis Costello takes the occasion of his first official live release (recorded with the 52-piece Metropole Orkest at The Hague's North Sea Jazz Festival in 2004) to not only recap the various non-rock/pop genres the restless veteran singer-songwriter has explored in recent years, but recast a few of his songbook favorites in striking new musical arrangements as well. The widow of Charles Mingus commissioned Costello to pen lyrics for the rousing revamp of the jazz legend's "Hora Decubitus" that anchors the album, a task he also performs for the bluesy title track, a reworking of Billy Strayhorn's final composition "Blood Count." Elvis wends through such oblique compositional corners as "Favourit! e Hour" and "Upon A Veil of Midnight Blue," a moody song originally written for blues great Charles Brown, but ultimately thoroughly reworked as "I Wonder How She Knows." "Clubland" is charged with savory Latin rhythms, "Almost Blue" recast as autumnal orchestral lament and "Watching the Detectives" re-imagined as jazzy, Bernard Herrmann-esque `50s TV theme. Other standouts include a swinging big band cover of Dave Bartholomew's "That's How You Got Killed Before" and a gorgeous rendition of his first Burt Bacharach collaboration, "God Give Me Strength." The set's bonus disc explores yet another intriguing corner of Costello's contemporary non-pop career via the 45-minute orchestral Il Sogno Suite, music culled from his '04 score for the Aterbaletto dance troupe's Italian production of A Midsummer's Night Dream. --Jerry McCulley

    Album Description

    Elvis Costello's My Flame Burns Blue is a live album with the legendary Metropole Orkest, a 52-piece jazz orchestra from the Netherlands, recorded in concert at The Hague. A bonus disc offers a 45-minute suite from Il Sogno, Costello's first full-length orchestral work. The album alternates between imaginatively reinvented Costello favorites like "Almost Blue," "Clubland," and "Watching the Detectives" (arranged "in the style of a 1950s television theme"), Costello compositions seeing release for the first time on a Costello album, and unexpected collaborations. "This recording captures a very joyful evening at the North Sea Jazz Festival and collects together songs and arrangements that have been developed over the last decade," writes Costello in his detailed liner notes.

    </p>For the opening track, "Hora Decubitus," Costello was invited by Charles Mingus's widow, Sue, to contribute lyrics to the jazzman's compositions. This song was completed in the immediate aftermath of September 11. "I could offer nothing more than a simple affirmation of life and rejection of vengeance," writes Costello. For the title track, Costello also wrote lyrics for Billy Strayhorn's final composition, "Blood Count."

    </p>Other highlights seeing release on a Costello album for the first time include "Speak Darkly, My Angel" and "Upon a Veil of Midnight Blue," which was written for and recorded by West Coast bluesman Charles Brown as "I Wonder How She Knows."

    </p>Il Sogno was originally commissioned by the Italian Dance Company, Aterbaletto, for their adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Following its premiere in Bologna with the Orchestra del Teatro Communale, the ballet was staged throughout Italy, Germany, France and Russia. Il Sogno was subsequently recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. The recording was released in September 2004 by Deutsche Grammophon and stayed at the top of Billboard's Contemporary Classical Charts for fourteen weeks.

    </p>Il Sogno received rave reviews upon its release. Mark Swed at The Los Angeles Times declared "Costello's sound is surprisingly fresh. His melodies are memorable. The sudden swings into jazz prove pure delight... [The performance is] bursting with life." The Boston Globe's Richard Dyer proclaimed "You'd have to go back to George Gershwin to find a composer-performer undertaking a project as ambitious as Il Sogno... It is full of character and storytelling, and the orchestration is skillful, unusual, and colorful."

    </p> <span class="h1"><strong>More Elvis</strong></span> <table border="0" cellpadding="4" width="100%" cellspacing="4">

    <tr class="tiny" align="center" valign="top"> <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002PUH7E.01.SWATCHZZ.jpg" border="0">
    Il Sogno, with the London Symphony Orchestra/Michael Tilson Thomas</td>

    <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000EBGEMI.01.SWATCHZZ.jpg" border="0">
    The Juliet Letters, with the Brodsky Quartet</td>

    <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00000AFFF.01.SWATCHZZ.jpg" border="0">
    Painted from Memory, with Burt Bacharach</td> </tr>

    <tr class="tiny" align="center" valign="top">

    <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000787FH.01.SWATCHZZ.jpg" border="0">
    Imperial Bedroom, with the Attractions</td>

    <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0007XT894.01.SWATCHZZ.jpg" border="0">
    King of America</td>

    <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005ARFU.01.SWATCHZZ.jpg" border="0">
    The Very Best of Elvis Costello</td>

    </tr> </table> </p>

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars An undiscovered gem........2007-05-24

    I have not been able to get this cd off my player. I hum themes from it constantly.
    I Want More.
    Anyone who wonders about the amount of production that goes into an Elvis Costello rock record will be astounded by the writing here, the thought, the musicality, and the professionalism of a full-time orchestra that swings. I don't mean that stilted Boston Pops crap, but real honest-to-God chops!
    The sound clips here don't do this record justice.
    This is absolutely one of his very best recordings and I urge everyone to go out and buy it! You won't be disappointed.

    5 out of 5 stars Elvis Costello does jazz!.......2007-05-13

    My love & admiration for the work of Vince Mendoza, and my search for projects he's been involved with have led me in many different directions. Apart from some obvious places like Mendoza's own albums (some of which have been very hard to come by) and albums by the likes of John Abercrombie and Peter Erskine, they've also led me to people I would never have thought of on my own; people like Jane Monheit, Joni Mitchell, Stefano di Battista and Yuri Honing.

    But although I'd heard of him, I never in a million years thought this search would lead me to Elvis Costello. I consider my musical tastes to be very eclectic but still, I would never have thought that I'd enjoy listening to an Elvis Costello CD, much less that I would actually own one.

    But here we are. This CD of 14 very interesting songs sang in the jazz tradition, was recorded live at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 2004. Costello is backed by the Metropole Orkest (also known as the Metropole Orchestra), conducted by Vince Mendoza. Mendoza also arranges "That's How You Got Killed Before", "Episode of Blonde" and the title track, which is only 3 of the 14 songs but it's good enough for me. Interestingly, certainly for me, Bill Frisell & Willem Friede also arrange a song here - "Upon A Veil of Midnight Blue".

    Costello is no Tony Bennett but he handles the songs with great charm and feeling. This is a singer who believes what he sings and as the listener, I in turn believe him. As I fully expected, the orchestration is sublime and there are some great trumpet, sax, guitar and cello solos. I enjoy the performance just as much as the applauding audience seems to and the more I listen to this CD, the more I find that surprising. Elvis Costello. Who would've thought? Definitely not me. So does this mean I might go on to buy more Elvis Costello CDs? It's difficult to say but it's certainly more likely now than it was before.

    The very generous Bonus CD has another 18 songs, excerpts from Costello's Ballet after Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream". I'm not a Shakespeare fan, a fan of the ballet or a classical music fan per se, but I do enjoy listening to this. Maybe it's because it features people whose work I've become very familiar with over the years. People like Peter Erskine on the drums, John Harle on saxophone, Chris Laurence on double bass, all backed by the London Symphony Orchestra.

    All said and done, this is a wonderful CD full of rich and very rewarding music. I'm so glad I bought it.

    Long live Elvis Costello! Long live Vince Mendoza!

    5 out of 5 stars Is It Elvis(Presley) or Duke Ellington Or both?.......2007-03-28

    Never an artist that can be labelled,EC's life as an expression of the music he makes is royally showcased here in the myriad of styles presented on this very interesting CD presenting so many shades of great music eras GONE BY BUT NOT FORGOTTEN that makes Elvis not only a very interesting musician but a historical personality that leaves the imprint of a man living life to its max.
    I have been fortunate to listen to the man from "My Aim Is True" saw the original Attractions more than once, and like him can identify with his changes of tastes recognizing great music for what it is despite the chronology.
    For starters, reworking his songs to fit at times Latin tinged,jazzy,classical,Sinatra Bacharach, countryish arrangements and balladry remains bold considering his penchant for his songwriters style as showcased on the rocking sophistry of "Trust" albums like 'Almost Blue"(country),homage to great songwriters (Painted From Memory) even his own development as a mature songwriter (Imperial Bedroom)avant garde classical(Juliet Letters)with his later work & experiments fusing that manic angry young rock and roller of the past nodding to his old Motown love(Get Happy),with the likes of Allen Toussaint in the homage to New Orleans(The River In Reverse)what came before New Orleans was this fine sounding CD paying it's due to great music in all it's manifold stripes with passion and excitement Ala Charles Mingus to the regal elegance of Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn.
    Even the CD cover harkens back to Duke's Anatomy Of Murder(Ellington's foray into movie soundtrack), and the presented music with this jazz classical orchestra is something only a Charles Mingus was capable off so highly reminiscent of Mingus is Costello at times that it is refreshing.
    An additional nod to Duke in his Shakespearean jaunts through his "Such Sweet Thunder" and major works such as "Black,Brown @ Beige" is apparent in EC as is his general appreciation of these great American jazz and big band artists in his unmistakable UK sublteties.
    Such is the case of the bonus CD "Il Sogno" Suite, resembling again Duke's "Such Sweet Thunder" in theme but is pretty classical.
    If any comparison can be made ,what comes to my mind stylistically and thematically are Joe Jackson albums notably(The album duplicating that early Sonny Rollins album cover) 'Body&Soul' pretty sophisticated stuff for the time,and Jackson's reworking of swing and big band for a young unsophisticated punk rock audience of the day with "Jumpin Jive".
    New Orleans Dr.John the night tripper, whose involvment with great cover albums and homages to Ellington and Toussaint comes to mind as well.
    EC made the grade with this one and is in good company.
    I would love to hear EC do a Count Basie album with some Satchmo and King Oliver thrown in for good measure.


    5 out of 5 stars This man does it all.......2007-01-29

    Elvis as a crooner? Oh yes. He pulls it off. I saw the tour for this release at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta. It only supported my faith in this album. I am up for anything different and when I heard of this I couldn't resist. It holds up.
    "HORA DECUBITIS" & "GOD GIVE ME STRENGTH" are the openers and closers for this disc. They are the 2 standouts on the disc and let me tell you, all else in between makes the perfect sandwich. You chew, disolve and are left with a pleasant taste in your mouth.
    When I saw Costello perform in Atlanta, I was blown away by his voice. He came out for an encore and didn't even use a mic. He gave an incredible performance, and he did the same for this CD performance at NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL.
    All in all, if you are a fan, or a newcomer, this man does not dissapoint on this. Costello is all over the place in the musical circles, but he remains stedfast on this release. He delivers!

    3 out of 5 stars Our little overachiever.......2007-01-01

    Proving he just can't sit still, Elvis takes on Jazz in this live release. While there are a couple new selections to choose from, the majority of this CD is Elvis rethinking back catalog. Frankly, I am beginning to wish he'd leave well enough alone. Some of the revisions just come off as quirky for their own sakes, and the noirish version of "Watching The Detectives" just doesn't work for me.

    Although what does work best are the latter day material. Songs like "Favorite Hour" (from "Brutal Youth") were made for this sort of embellishment, and "Episode Of Blonde" benefits. But "Clubland" and "Almost Ideal Eyes" just don't. It is primarily the non-Costello compositions that hold up best, like "That's How You Got Killed Before" and "Hora DeCubitus" (to which Costello added lyrics to a Charles Mingus song).

    But overall, this is just Elvis Costello doing his regular exorcism of his muse. For a casual listener, this will fall into the same category as "The Juliet Letters," "North" or "Il Songo." The collaboration with Allen Toussaint is a better work, and more worth your time than this. Passable.
    Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • My Kind of Jazz
    • An Eloquent Tribubute to Billy Strayhorn
    • Beautiful Tenor Sax Playing from Joe Henderson. A Classic Album.
    • A not-so-good album. Why? Read this...
    • Best of his tributes
    		 Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn
    Joe Henderson
    Manufacturer: Polygram Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B0000046KH
    Release Date: 1992-02-18

    Tracks:

    1. Isfahan
    2. Johnny Come Lately
    3. Blood Count
    4. Rain Check
    5. Lotus Blossom
    6. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
    7. Take The A Train
    8. Drawing Room Blues
    9. U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)
    10. Lush Life

    Amazon.com

    Joe Henderson's complex and subtle talents as a tenor saxophonist, bandleader, accompanist, and composer were already finely drawn after lengthy associations with the Blue Note and Milestone labels, when he signed to Verve as an elder statesman in the 1990s. For his debut with the label, Henderson chose an all-Billy Strayhorn session--he had recorded such Strayhorn gems as "Chelsea Bridge" before with great success. His solo rendition of the title track is spectacular. He goes on to play duets with pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis joins the lineup for three guest performances. --John Swenson

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars My Kind of Jazz.......2007-06-01

    Having heard Strayhorn's music performed by Ellington, Hodges, Gillespie, Coltrane, Hartman, Torme (and others), I was quite curious what would Henderson do, joined by Wynton Marsalis and some other young lions in the rhythm section, notably Stephen Scott on piano, Christian McBride on bass and Gregory Hutchinson on drums, a more than suitable line-up to join Henderson and Marsalis.

    This is BEAUTIFUL.

    Since so many people wrote fine descriptions of this music, I'll just add that I agree with most of them. The music is imaginative, tradition-consciouss and swinging, like some sort of lyrical version of Charlie Mingus. Henderson's solo rendition of "Lush Life" is obvious favorite of the album but the number of great performances on this album is indeed great (listen, for example to lovely "Lotus Blossom", played in duet with Stephen Scott...)

    They say this album sold well (partly due to marketing); I don't like financial pressures on art, but when great artists earn some money it kinda pleases me...

    I feal this is far more subtle jazz "hit" than some other popular jazz records I don't care to mention at this point out of sheer respect for the work of this fine group (or these fine groups, since the musicians play in various combinations; from Henderson's solo to full quintet, with Henderson being the only one playing on all songs).

    5 out of 5 stars An Eloquent Tribubute to Billy Strayhorn.......2007-01-27

    The Joe Henderson Quintet

    Joe Henderson:Tenor Sax
    Wynton Marsalis:Trumpet
    Stephen Scott:Piano
    Chritine McBride:Bass
    Gregory Hutcherson:Drums

    Billy Strayhorn
    (born Nov.29,1915,Dayton,Ohio,-died May 31,1967,New York,N.Y.)

    Strayhorn got his first recognition after he approached Duke Ellington with a composition in 1938,soon after,he was regularly contributing arrangments and original compositions.In 1941 Strayhorn's 'Take the 'A'
    Train' became the the Duke Ellington Orchestra's theme song.As has been well documented "his work so complimented Ellingtons that it was often impossible to distinquish their respective contributions".Strayhorn was a master of the ballad,and this is well documented by several tunes in this set.His compositions exhibit a structural and harmonic sophisticatiion which he made as his trade mark and signature voice throughout his tenure,before his sudden and tragic death in 1967.
    This is one of those albums were everything comes together:from the engineering,production to the peformance.
    Joe's playing is stellar,very heartfelt,and crisp.The whole band sounds like they have been playing for years.The format is a unique one.We have a Tenor,bass duet-Tenor,piano,bass trio,a Quartet setting and Quintet settings and finaly capping the set off with a solo rendition of 'Lush Life'.The rhythm section,a young one,plays exceptionally throughout,and also contribute excellent solos..Highlights for me were 'Blood Count',Joes pathos here is over the top.On the Quintet sides 'Johnny One Note',Wynton smokes this one,also,'A Flower Is a Lonesome Thing',and "U.M.M.G.",you should carefully note the rhythm sections fluid and constantly inventive approach,spurring on Henderson and Marsalis throughout.A gem.We also may consider this a tribute to the great tenor giant JOE HENDERSON.God speed to both of them.A real gem.Enjoy

    5 out of 5 stars Beautiful Tenor Sax Playing from Joe Henderson. A Classic Album........2006-10-20

    This is a very special album. It is one of the best of Joe Henderson's many wonderful recordings. His playing on this album is just sublime; so expressive and yet restrained. This is a cd I shall listen to many times and highly recommend it to Amazon customers who seek a wonderful introduction to Jazz, or for those who, having liked Jazz for many years, want to hear Jazz musicianship in its highest form.

    1 out of 5 stars A not-so-good album. Why? Read this... .......2006-09-14

    Despite all reviews posted here in this page are given 5-stars to this release, I need to be honest and explain why I am giving just one poor star. No, I am not crazy. Let me explain my point-of-view, and after that you can decide if this JH album really deserves more stars. Just to start, this album does not have a spinal-column that could guide the band(?) or the musicians thru a solid path. There are tracks played by a duo, trio, 4tt, and sometimes a very loose quintet, and each of these tracks have a different mood, without any presence of a jazz soul, or even a real smell of jazz. Maybe the intention of recording these tunes was to make a homage/tribute to Mr Strayhorn, or maybe a recognition for Mr Henderson value in the 20th century Jazz History as one of the most important hard-boppers ever. But the result was very poor. If you really love Joe Henderson (as I appreciate), try any of his albums from the 60's (as a band-leader or as a sideman), mainly those from the Blue Note era. In time: I gave one star, in memory of his brilliant carreer. This particular album deserve zero-star.

    5 out of 5 stars Best of his tributes.......2005-12-07

    This was the first of Joe Henderson's string of tribute or songbook albums, which finally brought him the recognition he deserved in the twilight of his career. It's also the best of the tributes, maybe due to the strength of the Billy Strayhorn compositions. There was more brilliance to come in Henderson's career, but not at this level of consistency.
    Great Times! Piano Duets with Billy Strayhorn
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Strayhorn & Ellington Duets
    		 Great Times! Piano Duets with Billy Strayhorn
    Duke Ellington w , and Billy Strayhorn
    Manufacturer: Ojc
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
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    Similar Items:
    1. A Proper Introduction to Billy Strayhorn: Passion Flower
    2. Billy Strayhorn: Lush Life
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    4. Piano Passion
    5. Piano Reflections

    ASIN: B00005YG0K
    Release Date: 1991-07-01

    Tracks:

    1. Cotton Tail
    2. C Jam Blues
    3. Flamingo
    4. Bang-Up Blues
    5. Tonk
    6. Johnny Come Lately
    7. In a Blue Summer Garden
    8. Great Times
    9. Perdido
    10. Take the "A" Train
    11. Oscalypso
    12. Blues for Blanton

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Strayhorn & Ellington Duets.......2007-03-11

    Greatest 'Golden Age of Jazz' icons' works, well done. Thx./D.
    The Stanley Dance Sessions
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Great Hodges Showcase
    • Rabbit and the Swee' Pea
    • Stanley Danc Sessions - Strayhorn
    • Re-issue of "Cue for Saxophone" + "Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and THE Orchestra"
    		 The Stanley Dance Sessions
    Billy Strayhorn , and Johnny Hodges
    Manufacturer: Lone Hill Jazz
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0009RS5ZG
    Release Date: 2005-05-16

    Tracks:

    1. Cue's Blue Now
    2. Gone with the Wind
    3. Cherry
    4. Watch Your Cue
    5. You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me
    6. When I Dream of You
    7. Rose Room
    8. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
    9. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)
    10. Gal from Joe's
    11. Your Love Has Faded
    12. I'm Just a Lucky So-And-So
    13. Jeep's Blues
    14. Day Dream
    15. Juice A-Plenty
    16. Azure
    17. Tailor Made
    18. Star Dust

    Album Description

    The Lonehill Jazz collection was established for the sole purpose of recovering lost jazz treasures previously unavailable on any other edition worldwide. This is an exquisite re-mastered collaboration between Billy Strayhorn & Johnny Hodges. 2005.

    Album Details

    Digitally Remastered Recordings featuring Harold "shorty" Baker, Quentin Jackson, Russell Procope and Oliver Jackson.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great Hodges Showcase.......2007-06-19

    As previous reviewers have stated, this is a compilation of 2 CDs, and the septet date from 1959, alone, is worth the price of admission. The sound quality is excellent, and all the band members are in top form. Just listen to the Strayhorn and Hodges solos on Gone With the Wind, the great brushwork on Cherry and Rose Room, and the Hodges solos on all the other tracks. Perfect music - and now my favorite Hodges disc.

    5 out of 5 stars Rabbit and the Swee' Pea.......2007-03-30

    This CD collects a Felsted LP produced by Stanley Dance under pianist Billy Strayhorn's name ("Cue for Saxophone," 1959), and another by master alto player Johnny Hodges originally on Verve ("Soloist," 1961). The Verve item has been reissued before on CD and is one of the best on that label featuring Hodges. THE GAL FROM JOE'S, I GOT IT BAD, and I'M JUST A LUCKY SO AND SO all receive near-definitive treatments here, with Hodges's creamy alto front and center. In fact, this entire set, except for STARDUST, which is a feature for trombonist Lawrence Brown, shines the solo spotlight almost exclusively on Rabbit, and he performs to perfection.

    The Felsed material was from a septet date and also has Shorty Baker on trumpet (excellent on the up-tempo blues WATCH YOUR CUE, muted), Butter Jackson on trombone, Hodges, Strayhorn, and Russell Procope on clarinet (a stand-out on CHERRY and the theme statement of ROSE ROOM). CUE'S BLUE NOW is a long, slow blues that gives everyone a solo taste. Having both these LPs available on one CD should make any Hodges-Strayhorn/Ellington fan happy. The sound is also excellent (the Verve set had superb sound going all the way back to its release on LP: crystal clear and dynamic).

    5 out of 5 stars Stanley Danc Sessions - Strayhorn.......2007-03-11

    Greatest 'Golden Age of Jazz' icon's works, well done. Thx./D.

    4 out of 5 stars Re-issue of "Cue for Saxophone" + "Johnny Hodges with Billy Strayhorn and THE Orchestra".......2006-12-08

    The Amazon product description for this item is a little misleading in that it says this is part of a reissue series "established for the sole purpose of recovering lost jazz treasures previously unavailable on any other edition worldwide." Well, I've got both of these jazz treasures on CD (through not on the same CD), and they are great, if somewhat opposite albums. Tracks 1-7, released originally as by Billy Strayhorn because Hodges was signed to Verve records, are really a Johnny Hodges small group session with Strayhorn on piano and in charge of the minimal arrangements. On CD, this came out in 1988 on the London label, still under Strayhorn's name, though the liner notes come clean about the previously incognito Hodges (as if anyone would have trouble identifying that tone!). Butter Jackson (trombone), Russell Procope (clarinet), and Shorty Baker (trumpet) join Hodges here (interesting lineup, because Hodges was so often featured alongside Lawrence Brown, Harry Carney, and Ray Nance / Cootie Williams in small-group settings). It's a set of straight-ahead swing, standards and blues. No novelties or bids for radio airplay; just classic medium tempo to mellow swing. According to Strayhorn's biographer, Hodges didn't think that much of this album, but I think it's great success because while it's aims are modest, the level of talent, taste and group cohesion is very high.

    "Cue for Saxophone", being in reality a Hodges blowing session, is definitely not the setting that showcases Strayhorn's genius as a composer or band arranger. The second album on this reissue CD is just such a showcase of Strayhorn's genius--it's a Verve date with the full Ellington orchestra minus Ellington (Jimmy Jones sits in on piano) from around 1960 (hence the capitalization--"THE Orchestra"--in the title). The elegantly-packaged Verve CD release is only a few years old and is still available if you want the original graphics and liner note essay. On this big-band Lp, the charts are short but packed with details, and Hodges is showcased on ballads, blues, and Ellington standards. The version of Azure here is one of Strayhorn's most beautiful charts (it features a gentle ostinato in the bass reminescent of Claude Thornhill's "Snowfall"). Day Dream is always a home run for Hodges when he's fronting the Ellington band. Almost all of the material is top shelf (one song towards the end is a bit on the cutesy side, but it is the lone fugitive from good taste). The only problem with this big-band album is that it's over too quickly.

    Not having heard or seen in person this CD release, I can't comment on the mastering quality or the packaging. But the music is prime-time Hodges and Strayhorn, and features lots of other great Ellington veterans in high fidelity sound (as compared to the 78 rpm era, not to modern digital studios of course).
    In A Quiet Cathedral
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • One of my most-played CDs
    • One of the best sets of organ works
    • Mystic!
    • By All Means Get This CD
    • To be fair...
    		 In A Quiet Cathedral

    Manufacturer: Delos Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B0000006Z0
    Release Date: 1994-08-02

    Tracks:

    1. Op. 122, No. 5: Chorale Prelude: Schumcke dich, o liebe Seele
    2. Air
    3. Prelude On The Welsh Hymn Tune 'Rosymedre'
    4. Pastorale On 'Forest Green'
    5. Prelude In E-Flat Major
    6. BWV 731: Chorale Prelude: Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier
    7. Adagio (For Glass Harmonica) K. 356
    8. Sonata I in F Minor, Op. 65: Adagio
    9. BWV 647: Choral Prelude: Wer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten
    10. Cantata No. 147: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
    11. Aria
    12. Lotus (Lotus Blossom)
    13. Irish Air From 'County Derry' (Londonderry Air)
    14. Jerusalem, My Happy Home
    15. Suite in D: Air On The G String
    16. Adagio In E Major
    17. The Good Shepherd
    18. Op. 18, No. 10: Magnificat I
    19. Symphonie Gothique, Op. 70: Andante sostenuto

    Tracks:

    1. Fiori Musicali: Toccata per l'Elevazione
    2. Chorale Prelude: Meine Seele erhebt den Herren
    3. Prelude And Fugue In F Minor, Op. 7, No. 2
    4. Canon In B Major, Op. 56, No. 6
    5. Pieces de Fantaisie, Op. 53: Clair de lune
    6. Vocalise
    7. Pieces en style libre, Op. 31: Berceuse
    8. Strings, Op. 11: Adagio
    9. Meditation
    10. Sonatina: Very Slowly
    11. Trois Paraphrases Gregoriennes: Ave Maria, Ave Maris Stella
    12. Chant de Paix (Song Of Peace)

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars One of my most-played CDs.......2005-10-13

    This is one of my most frequently played CDs. I find it perfect background music for meditation, prayer, reading and other tasks, as well as a good CD that doesn't disturb people at work.

    This is not intended to be organised as a church service or a concert performance per se, but rather, as the co-producer Carol Rosenberger states, 'this album is meant to recreate an experience many of us have treasured: slipping inside the doors of a cathedral and finding oneself alone in a vast, quiet space with light streaming through stained glass windows. The organist begins to play gentle music, and one is lost in contemplation...'

    As a churchy person, I've often had the experience of working or sitting in an empty church while the organists or their students practiced. This recording in many ways reminds me of that experience. Of course, our organ is a far cry from the pipe organ in Atlanta's Cathedral of St. Philip, with over 5000 pipes (and our church does not have a 5-second delay reverberation, either), 4 manuals and 96 ranks. This Aeolian-Skinner organ is a genuinely stunning instrument, but as with any instrument, it takes the right performer to bring out the fullness of the sound from it.

    Todd Wilson is just such a performer. His playing is solid and well-suited for this task, with occasional flashes of brilliance. Mozart's 'Adagio', Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Many's Desiring', and Barber's 'Adadio for Strings' (here arranged for the organ) are truly wonderful pieces. The programme here is a diverse collection of pieces from Baroque, Renaissance, and later pieces, including folk tunes and a few modern compositions. Todd Wilson is a church organist and music director at Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio (a city with not insignificant music resources and life), and is also head of the Organ Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music. He has had an international performance and recording career.

    I applaud the decision to make this a double-disc set - the producer writes that there was just too much good music to limit the selection. Thus, there is a method to the organisation, given the availability of two discs. The first disc has more simple pieces, easily recognisable melodies and well-known hymn/sacred pieces. The second disc has a bit more complexity of music.

    There is a booklet that is particularly designed for young people, so that they may become more familiar with the organ as an instrument, and this type of music.

    This is a truly wonderful recording.

    5 out of 5 stars One of the best sets of organ works.......2005-02-20

    This is a superb set of organ works. Strongly recommended.

    5 out of 5 stars Mystic!.......2003-12-28

    The Æolian-Skinner organ in St.Philip's Cathedral, Atlanta is the finest example on Earth of eclectic organ...and the last- really-marvellous instrument erected by this firm. Flutes and Erzählers speak directly from Heaven...and the organ, despite electric, seems to have tracker action! Listen to Bach's BWV 731 and 648: they sound like played on a Silbermann instrument!
    Todd Wilson is a delicate musician, a poet of the organ and a genius in the choice of the stops.
    Buy also the other recordings of this Æolian-Skinner by Robert Delcamp (Naxos) and Alan Morrison (Gothic)...and don't forget that Michael Murray recorded in St.Philip's Cathedral for Telarc the finest rendition of Poulenc's "Concerto in sol minore per organo, archi e timpani" under the direction of the late Robert Shaw.

    5 out of 5 stars By All Means Get This CD.......2003-09-06

    I found this wonderfully relaxing CD above and beyond my expectations. Do you enjoy organ music, then listen and explore the sacred music of J.S. Bach. This music will relax you: keep your muscles relaxed as you work on a time deadline for a large project, or doing some casual items around the house.

    5 out of 5 stars To be fair..........2003-04-04

    The hiss that one reviewer refers to is undoubtedly the organ's wind supply. The wind can be heard on most organ recordings.
    The London Viola Sound
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Very Beautiful & Better than I Thought
    • The best of large group viola
    • Violins and 'celli. Who needs 'em??
    		 The London Viola Sound

    Manufacturer: Cala Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Similar Items:
    1. Six Cello Suites performed on viola
    2. The London Violin Sound
    3. A Portrait of the Viola
    4. The Art of the Viola
    5. Handel: Concerto in B/Walton: Viola Concerto/Williams: Flos Campi/Bach: Komm/Schubert: Litanei/Dvorak: Humoresque/Nev

    ASIN: B00000FDJ5
    Release Date: 1995-05-23

    Tracks:

    1. Porgy And Bess: It Ain't Necessarily So
    2. Kiddush
    3. Cherymushki: Galop
    4. Slavonic Dance In E Minor
    5. Arrival Platform Humlet
    6. Pavane pour une infante defunte
    7. War And Peace: Waltz
    8. This Guy's In Love With You
    9. Take The 'A' Train

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Very Beautiful & Better than I Thought.......2006-08-01

    I bought this CD out of curiosity. A few dozen violas produce an immense breadth of sound. Add to this some high-level playing, plus a variety of pieces. A wonderful way to explore the instrument.

    5 out of 5 stars The best of large group viola.......2002-07-11

    This is a most unique collection of works. The mellow but sonorous sound that is unique to the viola is amplified 48 times - nothing else does tribute to the viola like this recording. This is the BEST recording for viola that I've ever heard!

    5 out of 5 stars Violins and 'celli. Who needs 'em??.......1999-08-08

    A delightful exercise in orchestration, this recording features 48 violas from the major London orchestras in numbers ranging from Gershwhin to Bacharach to Faure. With the exception of some percussion here and there, a harp and the occasional string bass, these selections are NOTHING but violas.

    Music Composers:

    1. Stucky, Steven
    2. Subotnick, Morton
    3. Suk, Josef
    4. Sullivan, Arthur
    5. Suppé, Franz Von
    6. Svendsen, Johan Severin
    7. Sweelinck, Jan Pieterszoon
    8. Tailleferre, Germaine
    9. Takemitsu, Toru
    10. Tanaka, Karen

    Music Composers

    Music Composers