Duration 11:10
Based on the voice of Billie Holiday, from various radio interviews during her career, Billie was composed in 2003, for alto sax solo with audio, commissioned by and dedicated to Connie Frigo. The commission was funded in part by the Netherlands-America Foundation. The world premiere by Connie took place at the 13th World Sax Congress, July 2003 in Minneapolis.
In 2013, by request of Connie, I added an ad lib. piano part, which was tested and enhanced by Connie and jazz pianist Greg Hankins. Christopher Barrick created a concert video to the music. Billie can also be performed on Bb clarinet. By request of Calefax an arrangement was made for the reed quintet combination of: oboe, Bb clarinet, alto sax, bass clarinet and bassoon. In 2006 Connie recorded Billie on the 2CD+DVD box JacobTV – Shining City, Basta 3091742. Billie was also recorded by Taimur Sullivan, Ties Mellema and others.

concert video: