BILL MAYS

JAZZ FORUM / APRIL 25-26

Pianist Bill Mays is a versatile stylist, composer, and occasional vocalist. Bill’s lengthy resume includes stints with Phil Woods, Gerry Mulligan, and Sarah Vaughan, the latter with whom he had the opportunity to play with members of Duke Ellington’s band. Bill’s tribute to the maestro at the Jazz Forum is titled “An Ellington Affair,” after Bill’s earlier Concord Jazz record. In addition to fresh arrangements of “Take the A Train,” “Satin Doll,” “Black Beauty” and “Dancers in Love,” Bill’s original tribute “Azure-Te-To Duke” will be performed. Bill will be joined by trumpeter Eddie Allen and tenor saxophonist Ralph Lalama, plus his long-time trio with bassist Dean Johnson and drummer Ron Vincent; the latter two will appear on Soundscape, his new record to be released this month.—KD