Recommended Materials
LUSH LIFE
Various artists perform the Billy Strayhorn songbook. Performances include Ella Fitzgerald “Something to Live For”, Oscar Peterson “After All”, Stan Getz “Blood Count” and Dizzy Gillespie “Upper Manhattan Medical Group.”
Verve Records # 314-529-908, 1996.
PIANO DUETS: GREAT TIMES!
Originally released in 1950, this album features 12 tracks of piano duets by Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington playing their hit jazz compositions.
Original Jazz Classics #108, 1989.
SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR: A BILLY STRAYHORN SONGBOOK
John Hicks, with guest artists Dwayne Dolphin and Cecil Brooks III, record the Billy Strayhorn songbook. Tracks include “Lush Life”, “Daydream”, “Minor Blues” and “Something to Live For.”
Highnote Records, Inc. # 7019, 1998.
DUKE ELLINGTON
Part of the Sony Jazz Collection, this is a compilation of Duke Ellington recordings. Tracks include the hit recordings of “Take the A Train” and “Satin Doll.”
Sony Records, 2000.
ARTISTRY IN RHYTHM: 1943-1947
Stan Kenton recordings from 1943 through 1947. Track include his top twenty recording of “Just a Sittin’ and a Rockin’". Guest artists include June Christy, Kai Winding, Anita O’Day and Stan Getz.
Living Era # 5269, 1998.