Into The Light – 2011
Billy Childs
An inventive original by Childs who leads the Jazz Chamber Ensemble
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In addition to being a top-notch jazz pianist, Billy Childs has long been a versatile and skilled composer.
Based in the Los Angeles area, Childs has been involved in a wide variety of projects during his career, including leading the Jazz Chamber Ensemble, a group that usually includes Bob Shepherd on reeds, harpist Carol Robbins, guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Steve Colley, and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith.
Back in 2004 they recorded “Into The Light.’ A similar group, augmented by the Calder String Quartet, performs the piece (which hints at classical music before becoming a driving jazz performance) in 2011 with stirring solos by Childs and Sheppard on soprano.
-Scott Yanow
Ella Fitzgerald