Bug Music (album)


Bug Music is an album by clarinetist Don Byron featuring music from the 1930s, specifically Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, John Kirby, and Raymond Scott. It was released on the Nonesuch label in 1996.

Reception

The AllMusic review by Scott Yanow stated, "Other than a silly rendition of Ellington's 'Blue Bubbles' and an adventurous interpretation of 'Snibor,' the selections are played with respect and great understanding of the somewhat forgotten style. None of the modern musicians sound as if swing were only their second language, making the continually surprising set a major success."
The album peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard jazz charts in February 1997.

Track listing

All music transcribed and arranged by Don Byron.
  1. "The Dicty Glide" – 3:15
  2. "Frasquita Serenade" – 2:50
  3. "St. Louis Blues" - 2:52
  4. "Wondering Where" - 2:50
  5. "Bounce of the Sugar Plum Fairies" - 1:39
  6. "Charley's Prelude" - 2:47
  7. "Royal Garden Blues" - 1:50
  8. "Siberian Sleighride" - 2:50
  9. "The Penguin" - 2:47
  10. "The Quintet Plays Carmen" - 2:51
  11. "Powerhouse" - 2:54
  12. "Tobacco Auctioneer" - 2:35
  13. "War Dance for Wooden Indians" - 2:32
  14. "Cotton Club Stomp" - 2:45
  15. "Blue Bubbles" - 3:24
  16. "SNIBOR" - 9:48

Personnel