Byron Stripling: Nothin’ But The Blues

“Byron Stripling wailed New Orleans-style but also negotiated bebop runs like Kenny Dorham and had the…audience shouting for joy with his earthy blues singing.” Denver Post

“…a towering and powerful trumpet player, who has been compared to a later Louis Armstrong.” Los Angeles Times

Byron Stripling has quickly become a favourite of Vancouver audiences, holding them in the palm of his hand with his enthusiasm, sense of tone and timing, and an authenticity rarely found in any but the true Jazz/Blues masters. From his early Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra days to present day, Byron Stripling’s musicianship and timeless appeal keep audiences coming back for more.

Stripling is joined by dazzling trombonist and longtime collaborator, Wycliffe Gordon, one of the preeminent jazz musicians of our time. Vocalist Dee Daniels is also featured in this concert along with organist Bobby Floyd and drummer Ted Moore.

Jeff Tyzik, the VSO’s Principal Pops Conductor, wields his baton for this celebration of the Blues. Tyzik has earned a reputation as one of America’s foremost pops conductors and is in high demand as a guest conductor across North America. Like Byron Stripling and Wycliffe Gordon, Jeff Tyzik is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music in New York. After graduating, he spent the next few years working with jazz legend Chuck Mangione and experienced his big break – the chance to co-compose a trumpet concerto with Allen Vizzutti to be recorded by pops legend Doc Severinsen. A few years later he was hired as Principal Pops Conductor of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra – a position he has held for 12 years now. A skillful musician and conductor, Tyzik is known for his commitment to music of all genres and his engaging rapport with diverse audiences. -- www.vancouversymphony.ca