Spotlight on Strayhorn and new CD at Oct. 19 concert

October 19, 2012  


"Watch What Happens," the Purdue Jazz Band's new CD, is set for release at the band's concert Friday (Oct. 19). There will be sweet treats and live music under the mural in the Stewart Center lobby from 7:15-7:45 p.m. to kick off CD sales.

 The free 8 p.m. concert that follows in Loeb Playhouse will pay tribute to "Billy Strayhorn: The Duke's Right-Hand Man."

When the already famous Duke Ellington discovered shy pianist Billy Strayhorn, a chemistry was ignited that left the jazz world with such memorable classics as "Take the 'A' Train" and  "Lush Life," which are both on the concert.

The two men wrote tunes together and individually. After Ellington's death it became clear that some of the tunes attributed to the Duke were really written by Strayhorn. Among those tunes are "Day Dream" and "Satin Doll," which the Purdue Jazz Band performs.

Each year the Purdue Jazz Band reinvents itself as some members graduate and new musicians come into the band. Trout says the band's new CD, "Watch What Happens"  "is an invitation to watch - with your ears - what happens each and every semester with a progression of outstanding young musicians."

Performances by the Purdue Jazz Band from two different years make up the CD.

Some of the selections were recorded in a studio and others are from live concerts.  "Kilgore's Kin," a Brent Wallarab piece commissioned to celebrate Purdue Bands' 125th anniversary is on the CD. Among other selections are  "That Old Black Magic," "Petaluma Lu,"  "Love for Sale" and "How Insensitive."

The CD costs $15 and will be available at concerts and through the Purdue Bands' office in Elliott Hall of Music.

Contact: Kathy Matter, 765-496-6587, kcmatter@purdue.edu

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