Search - Billy Strayhorn :: Proper Introduction to Passion Flower

Well-Rounded Strayhorn Comp

Jake | New York, NY | 06/21/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Don't be put off by the cheesy title and packaging: this is actually a very good overview of Strayhorn's art as composer, arranger and pianist.



The performances are mostly by classic Ellington bands of the 40s and early 50s, featuring players such as Johnny Hodges (reeds), Jimmie Blanton (bass), Ben Webster (tenor sax), Jimmy Hamilton (reeds - a personal favorite) and of course Duke on piano. Strayhorn himself plays piano beautifully on "(I Want) Something to Live For," "After All," "Rain Check," "Chelsea Bridge," "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing," "Lotus Blossom," and "Johnny Come Lately."



I don't know the Ellington discography well enough to say which if any of these are definitive renditions, but they're certainly all high quality and the sound surprisingly detailed given the vintage. It makes a good companion piece to the also excellent ". . . And His Mother Called Him Bill" - a Strayhorn tribute album recorded by the Ellington band in 1967, just a few months after Strayhorn's death at 51 from esophogal cancer.



I take a star off for the inclusion of Nat King Cole's surreal rendition of the famous "Lush Life." It's an interesting piece historically, Cole being the first to make a commercial recording of it, but Strayhorn abhorred it and I understand why. Cole's tone is wonderful, but it's as though he has no idea what he's singing. Where Strayhorn's aching lyrics and melody would seem to call for introverted understatement, Cole gives us extroverted show-biz glitz. The busy arrangements by Pete Rugolo, heavy on harp, strings, and (weirdly) conga, only make matters worse.



All in all, though, a really good collection with sturdy packaging, informative notes, and full discographic info for each cut. Highly recommended."