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Toast Of The Nation

Listen Now: Billy Childs Quartet In Concert

Billy Childs.
Courtesy of the artist

Billy Childs.

Billy Childs Quartet: Live In Concert

January 1, 2012The pianist and composer is a winner of three Grammy Awards and tours the world leading a chamber ensemble which combines his jazz and classical experience. But the Los-Angeles-based pianist rung in 2012 with good friends in his hometown.

by Patrick Jarenwattananon

Billy Childs is a winner of three Grammy Awards — all in composing or arranging — and a Guggenheim Fellowship. And he played Toast of the Nation 2012 on the heels of a European tour with his chamber ensemble, a band which combines his jazz and classical experience. But the Los-Angeles-based pianist rung in 2012 back at home, at the intimate Blue Whale in L.A.'s Little Tokyo neighborhood. And he brought together a small group of seasoned musicians — saxophonist Bob Sheppard played NPR's 1990 New Year's Eve broadcast with Freddie Hubbard's band — who are, more importantly, good friends and colleagues.

Set List
  • "Backwards Bop"
  • "Brazilian Tune"
  • "Mount Olympus"
  • "Quiet Girl"
  • "Bolivia" (Walton)
  • Midnight Celebration
  • "Peace" (Silver)
  • "Rhythm-a-ning" (Monk)
  • "The Hunted"
Personnel
  • Billy Childs, piano
  • Bob Sheppard, saxophones
  • Tim Lefebvre, bass
  • Gary Novak, drums
  • Dee Dee Bridgewater, vocals ("Peace")

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