Billy Strayhorn

2 LPs ON 1 CD

Both albums collected here are delightful reminders not only of Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington’s alter ego as composer and pianist, but also of one of the most beautiful jazz instrumental voices ever – the alto saxophone of Johnny Hodges.

The Duke doesn’t appear on either album, but these big band settings are the Ellington orchestra in all but name. On 1961’s “Johnny Hodges, Soloist. Billy Strayhorn and The Orchestra”, with Strayhorn conducting and Jimmy Jones at the piano, Hodges is the main soloist and in his hands the familiar repertoire emerges timeless and fresh. A great blues player, he shines on Jeep’s Blues, Juice A-Plenty and Tailor Made, and he and the band stamp their nonpareil identity on the otherworldly voiced Azure and Day Dream. Trombonist Lawrence Brown, whose impeccable control and individuality matched Hodges’, has several solo spots and a fine feature on Stardust.

From 1958, “Billy Strayhorn!!! Live!!!” is a laid-back, let-your-hair-down affair with Strayhorn at the piano and the band swinging exultantly. Hodges surfs it like a master, notably on In a Mellow Tone, a robust Jeep’s Blues, and swings immaculately on All of Me and On the Sunny Side of the Street. Also featured inimitably are Ray Nance, Shorty Baker and Harry Carney – and the equally unique sound of the Ellington band in full cry.

PERSONNEL:

[1-11] from the album Johnny Hodges, Soloist. Billy Strayhorn and Orchestra
Harold “Shorty” Baker, Cat Anderson, Bill Berry, Ed Mullens, Howard McGhee (tp)
Lawrence Brown, Quentin Jackson, Chuck Connors, (tb)
Russell Procope (cl, as) Jimmy Hamilton (cl, ts)
Johnny Hodges (as) Paul Gonsalves (ts) Harry Carney (bs, b-cl)
Jimmy Jones (p) Aaron Bell (b) Sam Woodyard (d).
Billy Strayhorn, arranger, conductor.
New York City, December 11 & 12, 1961.

[12-19] from the album Billy Strayhorn!!! Live !!!
Harold “Shorty” Baker, Cat Anderson, Clark Terry (tp) Ray Nance (cnt)
Britt Woodman, Quentin Jackson, John Sanders (tb) Jimmy Hamilton (cl) Johnny Hodges, Russell Procope (as) Paul Gonsalves (ts)
Harry Carney (bs) Billy Strayhorn (p) Jimmy Woode (b) Sam Woodyard (d). Recorded in Chicago, 1958.

TRACKS:

01. Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
02. I’ve Got It Bad and That Ain’t Good
03. Gal From Joe’s
04. Your Love Has Faded
05. I’m Just a Lucky So and So
06. Jeep’s Blues
07. Day Dream
08. Juice A-Plenty
09. Azure
10. Tailor Made
12. Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
13. Jeep’s Blues
14. Mr. Gentle & Mr. Cool
15. In a Mellow Tone
16. All of Me
17. Sophisticated Lady
18. Passion Flower
19. On the Sunny Side of the Street