The Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma Release Exclusive Live Recording to Support COVID-19 Hunger Relief

Today, the Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma is honored to share an exclusive live recording of Billy Strayhorn’s iconic jazz standard Take the “A” Train as part of WhyHunger’s SongAid campaign. Leveraging the power of music, SongAid unites musicians and technology companies to bring awareness to complex economic, social, and environmental issues surrounding equitable access to nutritious food, and helps extend WhyHunger’s support for communities in need. Each time you listen to the SongAid recording, the streaming proceeds will go to WhyHunger’s Rapid Response Fund.

“Silkroad is thrilled to be included in the SongAid campaign. Through the simple act of sharing music, we are supporting frontline workers, food pantries, small-scale farmers, and food chain workers — truly culture in action. Please join us by listening along, and help us to sustain this vital work,” says Yo-Yo Ma, Silkroad Founder.

At a time when New York has been brought to a halt by the COVID-19 pandemic, Take the “A” Train celebrates the familiar sounds of NYC’s subway system that connects its vibrant neighborhoods. Silkroad’s recording is featured on the very first SongAid playlist, along with Darryl “DMC” McDaniels & The HellRaisers’ I Was Born, Tom Morello’s Save the Hammer for the Man, and Cindy Blackman Santana & Carlos Santana’s Imagine. Thanks to The Orchard, these playlists will be available on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, and Apple Music.

This performance of Take the “A” Train, arranged by Silkroad Co-Artistic Director Shane Shanahan and commissioned by Reservoir Media, was performed live at UC Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, presented by CalPerformances on August 18, 2016, as part of the Silkroad Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma’s summer festivals tour.

Listen here.