One of Rochester's favorite musicians, jazz violinist Billy Bang, has died at the age of 63. Over the past decade Bang appeared many times in Rochester, including a collaboration with Garth Fagan Dance.
A favorite at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival, Bang was scheduled to play on the first day of the 2011 festival (running June 10-18). It would have been his fourth festival appearance. "Billy was extremely well liked in Rochester and had an exceptionally loyal following," says John Nugent, festival producer. "We were so looking forward to welcoming him back to the festival. His unique artistry and talent will be missed by us and the jazz world." Read complete story from rochestercitynewspaper.com.
Billy "Bang" Walker (1947), was a pupil of Leroy Jenkins who developed his personal style at the violin by imitating Eric Dolphy's style at the reeds (just like Stuff Smith developed his style at the violin by imitating Louis Armstrong's style at the cornet), formed the Survival Ensemble with two saxophonist (who also played all sorts of percussion), bassist William Parker and two percussionists. Their New York Collage (may 1978), containing lengthy jams such as Nobody Hear the Music the Same Way and For Josie Part II, was inspired by both the Art Ensemble Of Chicago and John Coltrane. Read complete bio from scaruffi.com.
Billy Bang discography
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