Developing a unique, recognizable voice is a vital accomplishment for a jazz musician. Within a few notes, there is no mistaking the distinctive violin of Billy Bang. In nearly every aspect of the instrument, he was singular: timbre, articulation, bowing technique, percussive use of the bow, pizzacto playing, glissandos, phrasing and yes, the occasional dissonance. He once said he was influenced more by saxophonists than string musicians. Categorizing Bang as avant-garde exposes the limitation of labels. While energetic, free flights figured into his solos, he could swing, play the blues, sing a ballad and cross cultures. Selections from the jazz songbook figured prominently in his playlists. "Peaceful Dreams" from Bang On! (Justin Time, 1997) demonstrates the range of his violin playing as well as his compositional abilities.
Billy Bang (born William Vincent Walker) left us far too soon on April 11, 2011, at just 63. He bequeathed us a rich discography worth revisiting regularly. His voice was certainly not that of a traditional violinist. It was, however, joyous, intentional and highly personal—and sorely missed.
Contact Carl Medsker on All About Jazz.
Half my career in healthcare, half in IT, passionate jazz fan throughout.
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Contact Carl Medsker on All About Jazz.
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
