ProJazz.net

Cue for Saxophone is an album by pianist and composer Billy Strayhorn’s Septet comprising members of the Duke Ellington Orchestra recorded in 1959 and originally released on the Felsted label in 1959, then reissued by Vocalion in 1962.

“Composer/arranger/pianist Billy Strayhorn led surprisingly few sessions throughout his career, and this was only his second full-length album. Actually, the main star is altoist Johnny Hodges (who goes here under the pseudonym of “Cue Porter”), while Strayhorn (who plays piano on the seven songs) only co-wrote two basic tunes (“Cue’s Blue Now” and “Watch Your Cue”) with Hodges and played a fairly minor role. Also in the septet are three fellow Ellingtonians (trumpeter Shorty Baker, trombonist Quentin Jackson and clarinetist Russell Procope), along with bassist Al Hall and drummer Oliver Jackson. The results are a fine mainstream session (which has been reissued on this CD) with highlights including “Gone With the Wind,” the ten-minute “Cue’s Blue Now” and “Rose Room.” – Scott Yanow/AllMusic .

Track listing:
“Cue’s Blue Now” (Billy Strayhorn, Johnny Hodges) – 10:07
“Gone with the Wind” (Allie Wrubel, Herb Magidson) – 4:18
“Cherry” (Don Redman, Ray Gilbert) – 5:54
“Watch Your Cue” (Strayhorn, Hodges) – 3:10
“You Brought a New Kind of Love to Me” (Irving Kahal, Pierre Norman, Sammy Fain) – 7:23
“When I Dream Of You” (Charlie Carpenter, Earl Hines) – 3:33
“Rose Room” (Art Hickman, Harry Williams) – 6:02

Personnel:
Billy Strayhorn – piano
“Cue Porter” (Johnny Hodges) – alto saxophone
Harold “Shorty” Baker – trumpet
Quentin Jackson – trombone
Russell Procope – clarinet
Al Hall – bass
Oliver Jackson – drums

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Released: 1959
Recorded: April 14, 1959 in New York City
Length: 39:54
Label: Felsted FAJ 7008
Producer: Stanley Dance