January 7, 2013

Guest Artist Byron Stripling on the Music of Louis Armstrong

Guest Artist Byron Stripling will join the Houston Symphony January 18, 19 and 20, 2013 for our What a Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong concerts. Below are his thoughts on honoring the legendary New Orleans Jazz artist:

Hello Texas friends. I can’t wait for January 18, 19 and 20 because I’ll have the privilege of standing on stage, soloing with your Houston Symphony. Along with celebrating the music of Louis Armstrong, we will pay homage to the great city of New Orleans with tunes like “When The Saint Go Marchin’ In,” “What A Wonderful World,” “Basin Street,” “Mack The Knife,” and many more. I’ve put together an evening bubbling with hot jazz riffs and the songs you love the most.

Now I’ve always loved Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. A quick listen to his 1920’s Hot Five & Seven recordings demonstrates that every time the trumpet touched his lips, new rules were written on the playing of jazz. His rhythmic, melodic and harmonic concept set new standards for creativity and sheer musical exuberance. Young musicians now understand they’re going directly to the source when they study his music, while listeners feel an immediate emotional impact upon hearing just a few bars of his trumpet.

Watch a video message from Byron Stripling to YOU!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qh2aJt67fbI

Louis Armstrong was known as a great entertainer as well as a great jazz player and his legacy totally influenced me as a trumpet player. His ability to stand before a microphone with no inhibitions or self- consciousness made me realize that if we dig deep within ourselves, we all have unique creative abilities. He had no creative fears and in fact exploited what some would call his faults or weaknesses. That’s why we fell in love with the gravel in his voice and smiled when he spoke in NON-Standard English. He exemplified the statement, “Just be yourself.” He often said, “I’m here in the cause of happiness…” and as I reflect on that statement I realize that’s been his biggest influence on me.

Louis was born and raised in New Orleans, a city that always embraced its multi-cultural aspects. Rather than resist the differences, they embraced them. Think of the New Orleans food! It’s always a combination of many different influences and in the case of a good Gumbo; it’s ALL thrown into a pot and stirred together. That’s really the feeling you get from the music of New Orleans… if it’s good, they’ll toss it in there and use it. It’s that openness to all aspects of the human experience that made New Orleans the birthplace of jazz.

There’s something inside of me that KNOWS you’re gonna love this concert and I don’t want you to miss any of the fun. I look forward to seeing YOU there. Yawl ain’t even ready for the fun you’re about to have!

For more information, CLICK HERE.