Billy Drummond - Valse Sinistre (CD)

Release Date: 08/05/22

A much anticipated date led by one of jazz's most prolific drummers. Freedom Of Ideas is a snapshot of Billy Drummond's musical vision.

From the liner notes:

The music presented here is a snapshot of my musical vision. Where I am today, where I've been, and where I might be headed. I've been leading various aggregations of 'Freedom of Ideas' for well over a decade and am grateful to have the opportunity to document this vision.

The music is from the compositional pen of a variety of sources. People whom I've admired and some whom I've had personal and musical relationships with. I would like to mention a couple of them in particular.

'Little Melonae' was written by Jackie McLean and arranged by Dezron Douglas (The Voice of Reason). Dezron is a disciple of Mr. McLean and for me McLean is the epitome of a purity in music that represents freedom in the true sense of the word. I have been a fan of his since my first memories of hearing music which was played by my father as a youngster. I played with Jackie on two occasions which was a dream come true. One of my treasures is an inscription from him to me on one of his recordings that reads, 'To Billy, one of my favourite drummers of all time'. That is something I'll cherish all my days!

The title track Valse Sinestre is written by the wonderfully unique composer Carla Bley. I fell in love with this piece while I was working with her. It was written for a project initiated by artist, surrealist painter and novelist Leonora Carrington. She wanted to collaborate with Carla on an Opera. Unfortunately, the Opera never came to be. The piece, however, remains and I think t's a gem. I was incredibly fortunate to play, record and tour with Carla in various ensembles over the years.

Tony Williams will be forever acknowledged as one of the greatest drummers who ever lived. He changed the way the instrument and music were played. He also developed into a wonderful composer, which is rarely mentioned. Our interpretation of his composition, 'Lawra' is a gesture of my appreciation for his genius as a drummer and a composer. He was a GIANT!!!