Episode 75:: Billy Bang (in Memoriam)

On April 11, 2011, the Jazz world lost one of its more unique voices, in a field that is over-crowded with genius, ability, and artistry. It's not that violinist and composer Billy Bang was, or ever had been, an essential part or nexus of modern Jazz. In fact quite the contrary - up until April 11th, he existed, as he ever has, more comfortably on the fringes: without a major record label, playing most often in bars and small clubs, and working with young unknown sidemen.

And yet Billy Bang was an important figure in modern Jazz - the living legacy of Jazz violin, a scion of the 1970s New York avant garde loft scene, and a musician who led the final sessions of such luminous contemporaries as Sun Ra and Frank Lowe.

Billy Bang had the rare gift to bring every ounce of his humanity into his music, and to share his challenges, triumphs, peace and joy with those willing to listen.

Are you?

Audio

Playlist

1. Billy Bang - Rainbow Gladiator - Live at Carlos'
2. Billy Bang Sextet - The Nagual Julian - The Fire From Within
3. Billy Bang - Saigon Phunk - Vietnam: Aftermath
4. Billy Bang - Reflections - Vietnam: Reflections
5. Billy Bang - Silent Observation - Big Bang Theory
6. Billy Bang Quintet feat. Frank Lowe - At Play in the Fields of the Lord - Above & Beyond
7. Billy Bang - Dance of the Manakin - Prayer for Peace

::WSRP:: Bang on!