Duke Ellington

Let's Get Together

Originally written by Chick Webb for his own band, this version of Let's Get Together was recorded by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra in 1962 on Frank Sinatra's Reprise label, though not released until 1974 on the Atlantic label under the title 'Recollections of the Big Band Era'. The chart itself is scored in a late 30's early 40's style. The theme is a repeating saxophone riff with accented brass backings, and a 6m, 2, 5 middle eight. There are two featured solo spots. Trumpet 2 takes a full, improvised, solo chorus and an additional eight measure spot near the close. The Baritone takes an eight measure improvised solo after the bridge. This chart is a good swinger played at a good dance tempo for the Lindy crowd. There are no sax doubles. We have rated it at the medium / advanced level, because the lead Trumpet needs to reach high Eb in the bridge. This lead line can be dropped an octave, making Trumpet 1's highest note a high D. There are no sax doubles.