10-07-19 | Songs for Listening | Al Strong
Al Strong, trumpeter, bandleader, teacher, and co-founder of The Art of Cool Festival, picked tunes for Monday, October 7 at Songs for Listening.
Al's musical upbringing began in Washington DC, coming up in his grandmother’s in-home church, where she preached and played organ. Growing up in The District, Al was exposed to Caribbean, go-go, orchestral, and jazz music leading him to develop an affinity and respect for a broad range of musical styles.
Al's music is deeply rooted in traditional jazz and soul music, drawing deep inspiration from greats such as Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Donny Hathaway. Many of these influences can be heard on his debut album LoveStrong Vol. 1' In addition to having the pleasure of performing with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Dwele, and Rakim, you can hear Al's trumpet playing on a number of other projects available for distribution, including The Foreign Exchange, YahZarah, and Big Daddy Kane, among others. Al balances his love for performance with adjunct teaching responsibilities at NCCU, as well as music festivals, shows and summer jazz camps with his non-profit organization, The Art of Cool Project. The Al Strong Quintet has performed at a number of the nation’s top venues, including Blues Alley, The Bluenote Jazz Festival, and Winter Jazz Fest.
'Curls' by Bibio from 'Ribbons’
'Come Live With Me Angel' by Marvin Gaye from 'I Want You'
'What I Say' by Miles Davis from 'Live at the Cellar Door'
'Water No Get Enemy' by Fela Kuti from 'Expensive Shit'
'I Know You, I Live You' by Chaka Khan from 'What Cha' Gonna Do For Me'
