Take the 'A' Train
Context
Composed by Billy Strayhorn in 1939, this theme became the signature tune of Ellington's orchestra after the 1940 conflict with ASCAP, which had kept its repertoire off the radio. Ray Nance's trumpet solo is so well suited that others have often replayed it note for note. The 1941 Victor recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1976.
In the genealogy of jazz
This track belongs to Harlem: Henderson, Redman, Ellington, Swing, big bands. Among the origins and influences of Harlem: Henderson, Redman, Ellington: Chicago, Stride (Harlem piano).
By the same artist
- Chelsea Bridge
- I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good)
- Cotton Tail
- Perdido
- Sophisticated Lady
- It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)