Audio Gallery
Jukebox: Hot Horns
Listen to the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra perform "Take the 'A' Train"
The boisterous sound of American jazz echoed among the ancient pyramids at Giza this past February. With the Sphinx at their shoulders, members of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra—in Egypt as part of a cultural exchange program—played a Duke Ellington standard, "Take the 'A' Train." It's a fitting tune for traveling musicians. Composer Billy Strayhorn penned the song around 1939. The title came from a new subway line, the fastest way to get from Midtown Manhattan to Ellington's home in Harlem.
Music courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways, the non-profit record label of the Smithsonian Institution. Please click here to purchase or for more information
Subscribe now for more of Smithsonian's coverage on history, science and nature.
Comments (4)
Jukebox on-line should mention that the photo of a trumpet player with the Smithsonian Masterworks Jazz Orchestra in Egypt is none other than Winston-Salem, NC native Lenny Foy. I was in high school band with Lenny and he blew everyone away then; it is fitting that his talents now lead the Sphinx for a trip on the A-train, yet another of the world's wonders!
Posted by David Sawyer on May 12,2008 | 10:03 PM
A great trip down memory lane! Thanks.
Posted by Mary T. Maxwell on May 9,2008 | 05:46 PM
Takes me back 70 years when I first heard this super song. At least seems like that long ago. Artie Shaw was our favorite those days. I have the Duke's 1956 version dated 1956 Many thanks.
Posted by Curt Bradley on May 9,2008 | 01:40 PM
Great sound, Duke would be proud of your rendition. It is a 10, thanks
Posted by rudy on May 3,2008 | 07:41 PM
where can I buy tapes of Duke Ellington?
Posted by lawrence F. Powers on April 30,2008 | 03:27 PM