Duke Ellington's Eulogy for Billy Strayhorn
Poor little Swee’ Pea, Billy Strayhorn, William Thomas Strayhorn,
the biggest human being who ever lived, a man of great courage, the most
majestic artistic stature, a highly skilled musician whose impeccable taste
commanded the respect of all musicians and the admiration of all listeners.
His audiences at home and abroad
marveled at the grandeur of his talent and the mantel of tonal supremacy
that he wore only with grace. He was a beautiful human being, adored by
a wide range of friends, rich, poor, famous and unknown. Great artists
pay homage to Billy Strayhorn’s God-given ability and mastery of
his craft.
Because he had a rare sensitivity
and applied himself to his gifts, Billy Strayhorn successfully married
melody, words, and harmony, equating the fitting with happiness. His greatest
virtue, I think, was his honesty, not only to others, but to himself.
His listening-hearing self was totally intolerant of his writing-playing
self when, or if, any compromise was expected, or considered expedient.
He spoke English perfectly
and French very well, but condescension did not enter into his mind. He
demanded freedom of expression and lived in what we consider the most
important and moral of freedoms: freedom from hate, unconditionally; freedom
from self-pity (even throughout all the pain and bad news); freedom from
fear of possibly doing something that might help another more than it
might himself; and freedom from the kind of pride that could make a man
feel he was better than his brother or neighbor.
His patience was incomparable
and unlimited. He had no aspirations to enter into any kind of competition,
yet the legacy he leaves, his oeuvre, will never be less than the ultimate
on the highest plateau of culture (whether by comparison or not).
God bless Billy Strayhorn.
– Duke Ellington
A Rare Look at Hodges and Strayhorn without Ellington
This disc, which is the result of a session in 1961, features Johnny Hodges
on alto sax with Billy Strayhorn as the band leader. Detail of the session
is related in Lush Life, the biography of Billy Strayhorn (pg. 217). Briefly,
Strayhorn was given free rein in providing new arrangements of songs by
Ellington, Hodges and himself. In the 30-plus years they worked together,
Strayhorn used the Ellington orchestra to feature Hodges. However, this
disc really puts Hodges in the forefront of the orchestra and the results
are tremendous. Hodges, under Strayhorn’s direction, gives top-notch
renditions of two of the great songs they did together, “Daydream”
and “I Got It Bad.” I haven’t stopped playing this disc,
comparing the arrangements by Strayhorn and playing by Hodges against other
Ellington discs. Another one you may want to try is “And His Mother
Called Him Bill,” which I think is Hodges’ greatest performance.
–
Suneeday2
Great Ballads
Very nice playing, especially on the ballads like “I Got It Bad,”
“Your Love Has Faded” and “Day Dream.” Hodges’
solos on these tracks are achingly pretty and Strayhorn’s arrangements
are elegant.
– Dlarry, Arlington, Virginia
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Billy to Johnny:
"Letter B and back to coda"
Lawrence Brown and Johnny discuss "Gal from Joe's"
"I'm Just a Lucky So-and-So"
"Stardust"
Billy, Johnny and Creed (in the booth) Checking the score
"Jeep's Blues"
Billy and Johnny
Photos by Chuck Stewart |
to hear sound samples.