Bringing alive the music of Duke Ellington

Transcriptions by Michael Kilpatrick

Three Cent Stomp

Three Cent Stomp has proven to be popular, being a solid swing number employing well all sections the orchestra. It is based on an incredibly simply theme first stated by solo trumpet and developed later by the full ensemble and used as background figures behind solos or in mixed ensemble passages. There is a reed section soli passage, strong unison trombone lines as well as brass ensemble work, and solos for six different instruments. All in all, a good choice for a strong orchestra needing some mid 1940s medium-fast swing.

There is a brief screech solo for trumpet that reaches as high as a double-top A. The solos are generally straight forward swing-style, especially the 2nd tenor, but the 2nd trombone is required to use the pixie/plunger mute combination to vocalise in the style of Joe Nanton.

Orchestration

Reeds: A A T T B Solos:
Brass:4tpt 3tbn
Rhythm:p b dr g
Vocal:
1st trumpet
2nd trumpet
4th trumpet (screech solo)
2nd trombone
bass
2nd tenor

Listening Guide

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

CD Title Label Number Recording date
World Broadcast Series Vol.2 Circle CCD-102 1943-11-09
The Treasury Shows Vol.2 Storyville 903 9002 1945-04-21
The Treasury Shows Vol.3 Storyville 903 9003 1945-05-05
The Treasury Shows Vol.5 Storyville 903 9005 1945-09-18
The Complete D.E. 1947-1952 Vol.2 CBS 462986 1947-11-10

Price £35