Duke Ellington, Blood Count (Billy Strayhorn)

hremdldw

Please don't forget - "to quote your Zeus line" - jesus in that case: Johnny Hodges!!!

The greatest alto player ever,playing music composed by the greatest composer ever.
By the way,Strayhorn did not compose this as he lay dying. The tune was composed years earlier and was first called "Elf". Ellington choose to record it on "And His Mother....." and changed the title. Strayhorn did the same thing on "Star Crossed Lovers" It was called "Pretty Little Girl".

imagine what was going through his head while terminally ill and in the midst of composing this piece...

Wow!! it's said he wrote this to the sound of the dripping in his IV bag

Stunning, I am asked to sing "Lush Life" at an event later this month, in Pittsburgh at the Kelly/Strayhorn Theater, so I am doing more research on Strayhorn in general and came across this song, and it really is just so lovely. What do you think of the lyrics that Elvis Costello wrote for it?

Oh my goodness. The lyrics are beautiful. Thank you for mentioning this. I wish I could see you sing at your event. How exciting!

My Flame Burns Blue

As the last light glimmers
And the evening hours dim
Maybe I'm too proud to utter it out loud
Even though my flame burns blue

As the night's descending
Once again I find I'll tarry and pretend
My confidential friend
Will suddenly appear in view

All my might
Between velvet and dynamite
Blow out the doors
Let in the light
Falling dust in the beam
And a small stifled scream

Alibis and decoys
Were his eyes so turquoise?
Covered with a lash
They flatter and they flash
Even though my flame burns blue

If I seem a stranger
I feel far from danger
We tamper and we toy
With passion over joy
Even though my flame burns blue

Even though the fire that once was desire
Doesn't look for trouble or dare to flare
Look now
And I won't be there

I love this song so much, Im going to be cliché and say I love how haunting it is

Nice info. You seem like you understand Ellington. Have u heard any of the later stuff like the afro-Eurasian eclipse and New Orleans suite?