"...and his mother called him Bill."

In the fall of 1967, the Ellington band recorded a tribute to the great Billy Strayhorn, who died in May of that year. All the tunes are Strayhorn compositions, some that had not been recorded before. The music and musicianship are wonderful and the sonics of the RCA Victor LP - LSP 3906 (the title of which is the subject of this post) are first rate.

If, knowing that it was his last composition, you can listen to "Blood Count" with dry eyes, you're bettter than I am. Hodges' solo on that song is unbelievable. If you don't own this recording, go out and get it.

January 6, 2006 - 2:05pm

jazzfan

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Last seen: 3 years 5 months ago

Joined: Sep 8 2005 - 8:55am

Re: "...and his mother called him Bill."

A most excellent recommendation Mr. Cheapskate.

I would just like to caution those who cannot locate an original vinyl copy and need to go digital that RCA's orignal CD issue of this recording was a disaster and has since been reissued with much better sound and packaging. Avoid the first issue at all costs.

It's funny that you posted this message at this time since I was going to post a message about an Art Farmer album from 1987 called Something to Live for: The Music of Billy Strayhorn. The recording is on Contemporary and features Farmer's working quintet of the time which of consisted of tenor saxophonist Clifford Jordan, pianist James Williams, bassist Rufus Reid, and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith and is, I believe, an analog recording.

In any event it's a first class effort on all counts - great compositions (how could they not be?), wonderful playing (Art is just beautiful) and a quality studio recording. One of the best jazz records of the 1980's regardless of genre.

January 6, 2006 - 9:56pm

ohfourohnine

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Joined: Sep 1 2005 - 7:41pm

Re: "...and his mother called him Bill."

Thought you might agree, Jazzman, and I'm not surprized that you've sent me off after another recording with your Art Farmer recommendation. Oh well, that is why I am a cheapskate where hardware is concerned - leaves more money for music. Thanks for the recommendation.

January 9, 2006 - 3:00pm

ohfourohnine

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Joined: Sep 1 2005 - 7:41pm

Re: "...and his mother called him Bill."

Turned out it was a short and happy search. I don't have much Art Farmer, but I do have that one. Just hadn't heard it for a while. You're right, he sounds great - looks pretty natty too with that red pocket square.

Aint it hell when the memory begins to go and you have to go looking to find out what's in your own collection. Beats having the ears go first, but it's still not fun.

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