An all-star San Diego quartet assembles in National City, Sunday, September 4, from 6:00- 9:00 pm to explore the music of jazz legends Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
Ellington and Strayhorn may be the most important songwriting duo of the 20th Century, (apologies to fans of Lennon/McCartney, George and Ira Gershwin etc.).
Strayhorn composed many of the Ellington Orchestra's greatest hits, although he didn't always receive credit for them. "Take The A Train", "Chelsea Bridge", "Lotus Blossom" and "Satin Doll" all came from the pen of Strayhorn.
Ellington and Strayhorn also collaborated on many compositions, working closely together on the suites "Such Sweet Thunder," "The Far East Suite," and "A Drum Is A Woman."
The prodigiously talented Strayhorn also wrote the venerable, (and world-weary), "Lush Life" when he was a teenager.
Marshall Hawkins will be featured on doublebass--a rare opportunity for music fans in the South Bay to witness his magic. Hawkins was a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, a veteran of ensembles led by tenor sax great Pharoah Sanders, as well as singers Shirley Horn and Roberta Flack.
Gilbert Castellanos will man the trumpet chair, and this should provide a classic chance for him to showcase the voluminous knowledge of plunger mute wizadry he has honed over the years.
Mikan Zlatcovich first heard jazz (on the radio, I presume), in his native Serbia. It must have stuck with him, because he's got an encyclopedic awareness of the history of the instrument. It will be fascinating to hear his take on the Ellington canon.
Finally, Brett Sanders will drive the ensemble from the drum-kit. Brett is a guy that should be getting a lot more recognition--he plays with great taste, inerrant swing and big ears. He can also get explosive when the moment calls for it.
The Liberty Hall Theater is brand new, located on the second floor at 2700 East 4th St. in National City.
Tickets are $20.
An all-star San Diego quartet assembles in National City, Sunday, September 4, from 6:00- 9:00 pm to explore the music of jazz legends Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
Ellington and Strayhorn may be the most important songwriting duo of the 20th Century, (apologies to fans of Lennon/McCartney, George and Ira Gershwin etc.).
Strayhorn composed many of the Ellington Orchestra's greatest hits, although he didn't always receive credit for them. "Take The A Train", "Chelsea Bridge", "Lotus Blossom" and "Satin Doll" all came from the pen of Strayhorn.
Ellington and Strayhorn also collaborated on many compositions, working closely together on the suites "Such Sweet Thunder," "The Far East Suite," and "A Drum Is A Woman."
The prodigiously talented Strayhorn also wrote the venerable, (and world-weary), "Lush Life" when he was a teenager.
Marshall Hawkins will be featured on doublebass--a rare opportunity for music fans in the South Bay to witness his magic. Hawkins was a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, a veteran of ensembles led by tenor sax great Pharoah Sanders, as well as singers Shirley Horn and Roberta Flack.
Gilbert Castellanos will man the trumpet chair, and this should provide a classic chance for him to showcase the voluminous knowledge of plunger mute wizadry he has honed over the years.
Mikan Zlatcovich first heard jazz (on the radio, I presume), in his native Serbia. It must have stuck with him, because he's got an encyclopedic awareness of the history of the instrument. It will be fascinating to hear his take on the Ellington canon.
Finally, Brett Sanders will drive the ensemble from the drum-kit. Brett is a guy that should be getting a lot more recognition--he plays with great taste, inerrant swing and big ears. He can also get explosive when the moment calls for it.
The Liberty Hall Theater is brand new, located on the second floor at 2700 East 4th St. in National City.
Tickets are $20.