Celebration of Billy Strayhorn's Music, Vol. 2

The second of two CDs once again finds pianist/arranger Keith Ingham teaming up in various combinations with tenor saxophonist Harry Allen (26 at the time), guitarist Chris Flory, bassist Dennis Irwin and drummer Chuck Riggs to perform 16 Billy Strayhorn selections. Some of these tunes ("Jazz Festival Jazz," "Balcony Serenade," "After All," "Snibor" and "Midriff") had not been played much in recent years, if ever. Somehow the quintet manages to convey the power of the Duke Ellington Orchestra on this very successful (and welcome) tribute. ~ Scott Yanow