Duke Ellington:Lesson 2

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Lesson 2: The Colors of Ellington's Band

For his band, Ellington chose individual musicians who could contribute to the overall musicality of the group. Together, they inspired one another as Ellington often arranged or composed the music to showcase the talents of the individual musicians. One example is Concerto for Cootie, showcasing trumpeter Cootie Williams playing a remarkable range of moods and styles.

The audio clips used in the lessons require the RealPlayer software, which can be acquired free from Real Networks web site.

Concerto for Cootie

Cootie Williams, Ellington's virtuoso trumpet player, plays which of the following sounds?
   muted
   growl
   clarino

Listen to these three versions of a Blues line, then answer the questions below.

Match the background instruments with the blues versions you just heard.

flute, trumpet, clarinet
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
trumpet, muted trumpet, trombone
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
violin, clarinet, bass pizzicato
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3

Rate the three blues versions you just heard from your favorite to your least favorite.

Version 1
Version 2
Version 3

Why do you like that combination of instruments? Referring to the seating chart of Ellington's band, tell which musicians would play your chosen arrangement if Ellington had written it.

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