Billy Strayhorn Centennial

ByMatthias Kirsch

Billy StrayhornWhat would the world sound like without the compositions of the great Billy Strayhorn? Celebrating his centennial, New York’s public transport organization, the MTA, will run a special A train for this occasion, in remembrance to one of his most powerful and long-lasting songs, “Take The A Train”. The train’s passengers will get a free concert on board with the Donald Malloy Quartet and the Evan Sherman Entourage, playing many of Strayhorn’s cherished compositions.

Wynton Marsalis, artistic director for Jazz at Lincoln Center, also announced a special concert at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, and the Manhattan borough president, Gale A. Brewer, will be present to officially announce November 29th as “Billy Strayhorn Day”.

Strayhorn worked with Duke Ellington for nearly three decades and among his numerous works, many of which have become standards, are such gems as “Lush Life”, “Something To Live For”, “Chelsea Bridge”, “Daydream”, “Lotus Blossom”, and countless more.

There will be a live stream of the Lincoln Center event at http://www.jazz.org/live

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