Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
Kandace Springs Sings Billie Holiday
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
William Russo’s Chicago Jazz Ensemble and friends will pay tribute to their late founder/composer/conductor in a special concert at Chicago’s Jazz Showcase on Monday, February 3. Russo died January 11 in Chicago following a two-year bout with cancer. Alto saxophonist Lee Konitz, who was featured on many charts by Russo during his tenure with the Stan Kenton
Orchestra in the ‘50s, will join well-known Chicago jazz composer/pianist Eddie Baker and the Chicago Jazz Ensemble in a program honoring Russo’s life and work. Both artists remained friends of Russo’s during his more than 50 years as a jazz composer and band leader.
The evening’s program will include works by Bix Beiderbecke; King Oliver; Jelly Roll Morton; Louis Armstrong, and, of course, William Russo.
The Chicago Jazz Ensemble will also honor Russo in its program, “The Birth of Jazz” (which comprises the final leg of its “American Heritage Jazz Series,” to be performed February 5–March 7 at seven Chicago-area locations). The CJE will reprise several of his works, including Russo’s 1959 arrangement of Bix Biederbecke’s “Davenport Blues.”
“There’s nothing quite like it,” Springs says of working with an orchestra. “It’s 60 people working in harmony in the moment. Singing with them is kind of empowering but also humbling at the same time.”
Jun 17, 2025 11:12 AM
When it came time to pose for the cover of her new album, Lady In Satin — a tribute to Billie Holiday’s 1958…
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