Billy’s blues
“The Peaceful Side” Billy Strayhorn United Artists Records 1961. A beautiful, typically smokey Herman Leonard photograph.
This is a little-known and rather melancholy set, virtually Billy Strayhorn‘s only recording away from the world of Duke Ellington. The focus is totally on Strayhorn’s piano throughout his interpretations of ten of his compositions (including “Lush Life,” “Take the ‘A’ Train,” and “Something to Live For”). Three selections have the Paris Blue Notes adding sparse wordless vocals, two other numbers add some quiet playing by the Paris String Quartet, and bassist Michel Goudret is on five of the ten selections (including one apiece with the strings and the voices). “Strange Feeling” and “Chelsea Bridge” are taken as unaccompanied piano solos. Of the ten songs, only “Just A-Sittin’ and A-Rockin'” hints at happiness; otherwise, Strayhorn’s melodic and concise playing is quite somber, peaceful in volume but filled with inner tension. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
November 11th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
interesting cover, good photo!
November 11th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Verrrrrry interesting….. but smoky. COUGH! COUGH!
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:35 am
Would love to hear this one, will have to look for it.