Concerto for Cootie - Duke Ellington records this day inJazz March 15th 1940 #injazz #dukeellington

"Concerto for Cootie" is a jazz composition by Duke Ellington, which was recorded in 1940. The piece was written as a tribute to Cootie Williams, who was the lead trumpeter in Ellington's orchestra at the time.

The composition is a showcase for Williams' virtuosic trumpet playing, and it features a slow, bluesy melody that builds in intensity as it progresses. The arrangement is characterized by its use of brass and woodwind sections, which provide a rich and textured backdrop for Williams' solos.

The piece is also notable for its use of call and response between the trumpet and other sections of the orchestra, creating a dynamic and interactive sound. This technique was a hallmark of Ellington's music and helped to establish his reputation as one of the greatest jazz composers of all time.

"Concerto for Cootie" has since become a jazz standard, and it remains a popular piece in the repertoire of many jazz musicians today. The piece showcases Ellington's skill as a composer and arranger, as well as Williams' remarkable talent as a trumpeter.