CJE to Host an Evening with Dr. Billy Taylor

By I Apr. 20, 2006

The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (CJE), conducted by Jon Faddis, will conclude its 2005/2006 season on a high note with An Evening with Dr. Billy Taylor.

The event, to be held April 22 at 8 p.m. at the Rubloff Auditorium in Chicago, will feature the world-renowned pianist, composer and educator in his debut performance with the CJE. Dr. Taylor’s newly arranged compositions include “Capricious,” “It’s A Grand Night,” “Midnight Piano,” “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” and the premiere of Michael Philip Mossman’s arrangement of “It’s Diz,” a song written for the doctor’s appearance with Dizzy Gillespie on “Sesame Street.”

Dr. Taylor has been playing professionally since 1944, beginning his career with Ben Webster and as the house pianist at Birdland. He has since composed more than 350 songs, led various trios and been an arts correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning. He joins the CJE, an internationally renowned jazz ensemble, in celebration of its 40th Anniversary and second year with Faddis as its director.

Tickets for the show are $40, $12 for students and are available at www.ticketweb.com or by calling Amanda Elston at 312-344-6270.