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| John Di Martino And His All-Star Quartet Perform 14 Of Billy Strayhorn’s Most Beloved Compositions On "Passion Flower The Music Of Billy Staryhorn" Billy Strayhorn (1915-67) is one of the great composers of the 20th century. An indispensable member of the Duke Ellington orchestra, collaborating with Ellington and contributing his own compositions and arrangements. Many of his compositions have become jazz standards. Pianist John Di Martino and his all-star quartet with tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Lewis Nash swing their way through 14 of Strayhorn's most significant compositions. Di Martino and the fiery Alexander play inventive solos while Kozlov and Nash (who also have their solo spots) keep the momentum flowing with their stimulating support. Starting with "Johnny Come Lately, " the program includes "Lush Life" (with a captivating guest vocal by Raul Midon that makes one wonder how Strayhorn could have written this piece with its insightful lyrics at the age of 15), a joyfully cooking "Raincheck, " a beautiful bossa nova reading of "Star Crossed Lovers, " and a spirited performance of "Isfahan, " one of Strayhorn's finest compositions. Passion Flower also includes fresh versions of the ballads "Chelsea Bridge" (a feature for Alexander), and "Passion Flower, " a haunting duo performance of "Blood Count" (Strayhorn's last composition), plus renditions of "Daydream" in 3/4 time and the up-tempo "UMMG, " "Take The 'A' Train, " and the lesser-known "Absinthe" and thoughtful solo piano versions of "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing" and "Lotus Blossom." Di Martino and his musicians caress Strayhorn's rich melodies while adding to the legacy of his compositions. John di Martino is an important jazz pianist with a 45-year career. Born in Philadelphia, he studied with Lennie Tristano and Don Sebesky and made his recording debut in 1990. Since then he has uplifted the music of many major jazz artists including Ray Barretto (he was a long-time member of Barretto's New World Spirit), David "Fathead" Newman, Pat Martino, Houston Person, Bobby Sanabria, Jon Hendricks, Issac Delgado, Janis Siegel, Gloria Lynne, Freddy Cole, Grady Tate, Giacomo Gates, Nicki Parrott, Jay Clayton, Alexis Cole, and Chris McNulty. In addition, the always tasteful and swinging pianist has led over 15 recordings of his own. John is a composer, arranger and record producer based in New York City. Passion Flower is John Di Martino's latest accomplishment, a memorable tribute to the brilliant composer Billy Strayhorn. "John"s soul and being come straight through to his music, the jazz world needs him!" —Sheila Jordan ( NEA Jazz Master ) JOHN DI MARTINO "PASSION FLOWER: THE MUSIC OF BILLY STRAYHORN" Artist Website: johndimartino.com Label Website: sunnysidezone.com Release Date: APRIL10, 2020 UPC Code: 016728411424 Track listing 1. Johnny Come Lately 5:17 2. Lush Life 4:20 3. Rain Check 4:19 4. Star-Crossed Lovers (Pretty Girl) 4:38 5. Isfahan (Elf) 6:57 6. Chelsea Bridge 5:59 7. Daydream 6:33 8. Passion Flower 4:51 9. U.M.M.G. 3:34 10. Blood Count 3:37 11. Take The A Train 4:15 12. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing 4:44 13. Absinthe (Lament For An Orchid) 4:09 14. Lotus Blossom 2:35 Total Time: 62:08 Musicians: John Di Martino - piano, arrangements, Eric Alexander - tenor saxophone, Boris Kozlov - bass, Lewis Nash - drums, Raul Midon - vocal ( Lush Life ) GIGS: APRIL 1 @ MEZZROW CELEBRATING MY BIRTHDAY THE JOHN DI MARTINO TRIO WITH SARA CASWELL - VIOLIN, DAVID FINK - BASS SETS: 7:30 & 9 PM MAY 15 @ THE ZINC BAR THE JOHN DI MARTINO QUARTET SETS: 7:30 & 9 PM JUNE 14 @ BIRDLAND THEATRE THE JOHN DI MARTINO QUARTET ONE SET: 9:45 PM JUNE 25 @ JAZZ AT THE KITANO THE JOHN DI MARTINO QUARTET SETS: 8 & 10 PM write your comments about the article :: © 2020 Jazz News :: home page |