Music Appreciation 3e Kamien
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Billy Strayhorn (1915-1967)

Take the "A" Train

Instrumentation: piano, trumpets, cornet, trombones, saxophones, guitar, bass, percussion

CD 1, Tracks 5-7,

Duration 2:52

It is important to notice that in this work (like in most works in traditional jazz) there is a recurring harmonic progression over which a theme (and improvisations) are played. As in the previous selection by Wagner, this work contains many interesting contrasts in tone color. For example, the use of a mute by the trumpet adds an interesting dimension to the piece.

5) Piano, percussion lead to
:06 Saxophones, main melody, high muted trumpets punctuate, rhythm section accompanies.
:18 Main melody repeated.
:29 A new (secondary) melody enters in the saxophones with accenting trombones.
:40 Main melody returns with the main melody and muted trumpets, piano leads to

6) Muted trumpet, long improvised solo on main and seconday melodies, saxophones accompany.
:13 Progression repeated.
:24 Improvised section over the harmonic progression of the secondary melody.
:35 Return of main progression
:47 Brass, very loud.

7) Saxophones answered by brilliant open trumpet solo.
:12 Progression repeated with continuing trumpet improvisation.
:22 Return of secondary progression (trumpet improvisation continues).
:34 Main melody--saxophones supported by accented brass.
:45 Main melody--saxophones supported by softer brass.
:56 Main melody--saxophones (softer), low closing chord.

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