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The Music of Billy Strayhorn  Patrick Wolff, saxophone; Erik Jekabson, trumpet; Adam Shulman, piano; Marcus Shelby, bass; Smith Dobson V, drums Friday July 2 | 8 PM | Campbell Recital Hall Inside Jazz: Insights on Billy Strayhorn Although his star was often eclipsed by his larger-than-life mentor, Duke Ellington, jazz insiders know that Billy Strayhorn - whom Duke referred to as "my right arm, my left arm...the eyes in the back of my head" - was the genius behind many of Ellington's most memorable tunes. From the signature anthem "Take the "A" Train" to the evocative "Lush Life," Strayhorn's compositions have all the sophistication and inventiveness of the Ellington style, as well as a unique lyricism all their own. "There's something romantic about Billy Strayhorn's music that I really love and find so refreshing in this age where angular and heady music seems to predominate," says pianist Adam Shulman. "Strayhorn succeeds in being both cerebral and soulful at the same time." For his heartfelt tribute, Shulman has arranged Strayhorn's timeless compositions for his quintet, allowing his cast of top Bay Area improvisers creative freedom while preserving the essence of the original big band orchestrations. Adam Shulman's piano has been a staple of the Bay Area jazz scene since he arrived in San Francisco in 2002. Shulman has played with Bay Area icons like Marcus Shelby and Andrew Speight, as well as internationally renowned jazz stars like Bobby Hutcherson and Miguel Zenon. LISTEN: Billy Strayhorn – "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing" Billy Strayhorn – "Chelsea Bridge" Billy Strayhorn – "Upper Manhattan Medical Group" WATCH: Billy Strayhorn plays with Duke Ellington, 1965 PBS' Independent Lens featuring Billy Strayhorn Supported in part by Joan Talbert & David Lyon.
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