Great piece, as usual. Small story: 30 years ago or so, Dick Hyman asked me to play TONK with him at a 92nd St. Y concert (I had a septet playing small group Ellington on the bill). I told him there was no way I could play all the notes in the transcription he gave me, so he rewrote the parts, played his part and half of mine! You're spot on its "party piece" nature - the other Duke/Billy duets veer off into other spaces. BTW, there is a Strayhorn score for TONK at the Library of Congress.
I’m sure he did it far better with other players - I was lucky enough just to tag along. Hopefully they’ll be a recording of you and Christian. I saw your program for the series - sounds like a wonderful event. Hopefully you’ll be able to share your symphonic piece. Safe travels.
Great piece, as usual. Small story: 30 years ago or so, Dick Hyman asked me to play TONK with him at a 92nd St. Y concert (I had a septet playing small group Ellington on the bill). I told him there was no way I could play all the notes in the transcription he gave me, so he rewrote the parts, played his part and half of mine! You're spot on its "party piece" nature - the other Duke/Billy duets veer off into other spaces. BTW, there is a Strayhorn score for TONK at the Library of Congress.
Oh, Loren, I so wish that I could’ve heard you and Dick Hyman play “Tonk” together!!! Thanks for comment
I’m sure he did it far better with other players - I was lucky enough just to tag along. Hopefully they’ll be a recording of you and Christian. I saw your program for the series - sounds like a wonderful event. Hopefully you’ll be able to share your symphonic piece. Safe travels.
The 1946 duet version reminds me a bit of Fats Waller...delightful "rent party" music!! Have fun playing it, Ethan!!
Thanks Richard!