Zodiac Suite
Cover art by Lorna Simpson
9/15/2023 • 12 tracks • 37 minutes
MARY LOU WILLIAMS (1910-1981)
1. Aries 2:12
2. Taurus 2:41
3. Gemini 2:07
4. Cancer 3:47
5. Leo 2:22
6. Virgo 5:25
7. Libra 3:54
8. Scorpio 3:23
9. Sagittarius 1:38
10. Capricorn 3:43
11. Aquarius 3:18
12. Pisces 2:58
Aaron Diehl, piano David Wong, bass Aaron Diehl, piano
SPECIAL GUESTS Evan Christopher, clarinet Nicole Glover, tenor saxophone Brandon Lee, trumpet Mikaela Bennett, soprano
℗ 2023 Mack Avenue Records II, LLC.
CELEBRATING ICON OF AMERICAN MUSIC MARY LOU WILLIAMS’ LEGACY
The Knights collaborate with critically acclaimed pianist and composer Aaron Diehl on the GRAMMY-nominated album, Zodiac Suite.
The album recently received a glowing review in the New York Times, which stated “…On the new Mack Avenue recording, [Aaron Diehl]’s joined not by the Philharmonic, but by the adventurous chamber orchestra the Knights, which is staffed by some of the brightest younger players on the classical scene.”
Composed, arranged and orchestrated by Mary Lou Williams, this recording pays tribute to her work as the first fully-fledged professional recording of this incredible arrangement, giving insight into her greater ambitions for the work, despite setbacks she faced during its premiere in 1945. Join us as we showcase the composer’s imagination and vision in a suite dedicated to some of her closest friends and collaborators.
Stream and purchase the album HERE.
“More evidence of the true breadth and nature of the American repertoire is steadily coming into view.”
Seth Colter Walls, The New York Time