Bringing alive the music of Duke Ellington

Transcriptions by Michael Kilpatrick

Chocolate Shake

Chocolate Shake is a rather curious song that came out of the musical Jump for Joy, to be recorded in the studio alongside one or two others such as The Giddybug Gallop. One should not be fooled into belittling the silly lyrics and thus ingoring the quality of the orchestration.

An infectious pseudo-military percussion beat - typical Sonny Greer - underpins this work. The vocal is nothing too unusual except in subject material!

Orchestration

Reeds: A A T/Cl T B Solos:
Brass:3tpt 3tbn
Rhythm:p b dr g
Vocal:female
baritone sax
2nd trumpet

Listening Guide

The following recording dates for Chocolate Shake have been issued on CD. Some editions may no longer be available - please ask your favourite retailer.

CD Title Label Number Recording date
D.E. & his Orchestra 1940-1941 Classics 837 1941-06-26

Price £35