Tzadik Records will release Billys "Starlings" record in September as part of their composer series.


Performed and recorded originally on a wide variety of African thumb pianos, these delightful pieces have been meticulously transcribed, arranged and orchestrated by Anthony Coleman for string quartet and chamber orchestra. Rounding out the program is a suite of compositions performed by Billy's dynamic percussion ensemble.

If you have Billy's Black Elk Speaks CD (Amulet) you can compare the orchestral versions to the original mbira performances which is quite astounding if we do say so ourselves.

Billy and Cyro Baptista have curated September music at the Stone in New York City, a not for profit performance space dedicated to experimental and avant garde music. Please see www.thestonenyc.com for a detailed schedule including special performances by Billy, John Medeski and famed Brazilian percussionist Airto Moreira.