Composer

:

Duke Ellington

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

3:36

'Cotton Tail' is a jazz standard composed by Duke Ellington, one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. The piece was composed in 1940 and premiered on May 4th of the same year at the Fargo Auditorium in North Dakota. 'Cotton Tail' is a fast-paced, up-tempo swing tune that features a catchy melody and intricate harmonies. The piece is structured around a 32-bar AABA form, with each section featuring a different melody and chord progression. The A sections are characterized by a driving, syncopated rhythm, while the B section features a more relaxed, bluesy feel. The piece is named after the Cotton Tail rabbit, a common species found in North America. The title is fitting, as the piece features a playful, hopping melody that evokes the movement of a rabbit. 'Cotton Tail' is notable for its virtuosic saxophone solos, which are featured prominently throughout the piece. The solos are typically played in a call-and-response style, with the saxophonist improvising over the chord changes while the rest of the band provides a supportive accompaniment. Overall, 'Cotton Tail' is a classic example of Duke Ellington's innovative approach to jazz composition. The piece combines elements of swing, blues, and bebop to create a unique and memorable sound that has stood the test of time.

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