«Brandy Butler sings Billy Strayhorn»

Billy Strayhorn was introduced to the music of Duke Ellington at age 24 and remained faithful to him for the duration of his short life. He coined the orchestra sound and remains one of the most influential jazz composers and arrangers. The adjective «influential» is just as fitting for the song texts he wrote. As opposed to many other jazz lyrics, his words are intelligent, witty, and unconventional at times. For example, the lyrics to «Take the A-Train» are directions put to music. When Ellington had Strayhorn over to his house, he told him over the phone how to get there: «You must take the ‹A› train, to go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem».
Brandy Butler calls Strayhorn one of her all-time favourite composters and writers. Besides «Take the A-Train», she will also perform tunes like «Passion Flower» and «Satin Doll». Butler grew up in the States, studied music in Philadelphia and came to Switzerland as an au-pair in 2003. Soon she was on stage with national greats such as Sophie Hunger, Florian Ast, rapper Steff la Cheffe and started and impressive solo career with bands such as «Chamber Soul» and her current project, «Brandy Butler and the Brokenhearted».