Bill Charlap Trio with Jon Faddis

The Library's Salute to Billy Strayhorn celebrated the music and legacy of an original American voice, presenting two remarkable concerts, a lecture by the composer's biographer David Hajdu, a symposium and screenings of two landmark movies with scores representing his work in the realm of film. Our minifestival included a unique offering curated from the riches of the Billy Strayhorn Collection: nearly 8,000 documents, including manuscripts, sketches, photos and papers. Expert Strayhorn scholars examined the composer's career, from his earliest years in Pittsburgh through his 28-year collaboration with Duke Ellington.

Bill Charlap and his Trio appeared with a terrific partner for a charming, focused encounter with Strayhorn's unforgettable songs - and some scintillating piano solos. Trumpeter Jon Faddis is an artist known for "...making the practically impossible seem effortless" (Time Out New York). It's a sizzling collaboration, one appropriate to honor what jazz scholar Larry Appelbaum called "the creative work of a musical architect of the highest order...one who added greatly to the brilliance and beauty of 20th-century music."

Presented through the generous support of the Revada Foundation of the Logan Family. Part of "Salute to Strayhorn," this video includes excerpts from the full program.

Program
[0:04] Introduction
[11:20] Recitation of lyrics to "Lush Life"
[15:02] Billy Strayhorn: "Lush Life"
[21:33] Billy Strayhorn: "Rain Check"
[35:09] Billy Strayhorn: "Johnny Come Lately"
[55:03] Billy Strayhorn: "Satin Doll"
[1:09:52] Billy Strayhorn: "Lotus Blossom"
[1:16:52] Billy Strayhorn: "U.M.M.G."
[1:29:58] Billy Strayhorn: "Take The "A" Train"
[1:38:11] Billy Strayhorn: "Lush Life" (Reprise)

For transcript and more information, visit https://www.loc.gov/item/webcast-11837