Eugene Chadbourne presents the Billy Strayhorn Memorial Barbecue

Eugene Chadbourne is an American avant-garde musician, banjoist, guitarist, and music critic known for fusing free improvisation with country, punk, and experimental sounds. Active since the mid-1970s, he has released hundreds of recordings, often on his own labels, and collaborated with artists like John Zorn, Anthony Braxton, Charles Tyler and Camper Van Beethoven. A prolific innovator, he invented the electric rake and frequently uses prepared guitars. His politically charged work, blending jazz, folk, noise, and satire, has made him a respected figure in underground and experimental music. Author Scott Yanow chose Chadbourne as one of the 100 important jazz guitarists in a recent publication. Chadbourne's new Billy Strayhorn themed ensemble is a direct result of his relocating to Hillsborough, Strayhorn's hometown but not specifically somewhere one would hear much of his music being performed--until now. The program will consist of a cross range of Chadbourne's recent Strayhorn arrangements. Chadbourne's previous specific jazz works include not only direct collaborations with instrumentalists including Anthony Braxton, Charles Tyler and Frank Lowe but also a selection of lyrics written for Thelonious Monk tunes that were recorded with several different ensembles internationally and many interpretations of John Coltrane themes. Eugene Chadbourne - vocals, guitar, banjo Chris Eubanks - cello Butler Knowles - pedal steel Carrie Shull - oboe Daniel Hall - drums