Reginald White (T-TH)

Writing Assignment
History of Jazz (MUS 310)

Satin Doll

Satin Doll, a tune penned by the incomparable duo of Duke Ellington and
Billy Strayhorn (with lyrics later added by Johnny Mercer) (The Real Book Vol. 1), is
not only a widely covered jazz standard, but an important entry in the American
Songbook as far as songs that were originally conceived as jazz. The song was first
recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra on April 6, 1953 (JazzStandards.com).
Since then, it has been covered by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and
even Count Basie and His Orchestra. Modern artists also find value in the tune:
figures from McCoy Tyner and Wes Montgomery to Victor Feldman and Jimmy Smith
have seen fit to cover it.
A particularly famous recording and video of the tune, done in 1962, features
bassist Aaron Bell, and is done in D-flat major (the tune was originally performed in
C). It utilizes the typical Ellington big band, with a five man saxophone section (two
alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones (with one doubling on clarinet), and a
baritone saxophonist), three trombones, and four trumpets, along with the trio
rhythm section of Ellington on piano, Aaron Bell on bass, and Sam Woodyard on
drums (YouTube, Storyville Records). The tempo is consistent with earlier
recordings. During the solo section, Duke and Aaron Bells interplay is interesting; it
is often hard to tell who is leading. However, at the top of the second chorus, he
allows Aaron to take the A section, only to start trading with him again at the

bridge, which brings the band back in. The tune closes the same way it opens. It
was recorded in New York City on January 9, 1962.
A personal favorite take of mine on this tune is done by McCoy Tyner, jazz
pianist best known for his association with John Coltrane, on his album Nights of
Ballads and Blues. Unlike Ellingtons many versions, Tyner opts to take it with only
piano trio. This shifts the dynamic of the tune immensely, as there are no horns to
carry the melody, as the saxophones did in the big band version. Instead, Tyner
takes the melody himself, using voice leading to harmonize it. He even embellishes
the melody a bit by playing solo lines during the bridge and altering the melodies.
During his solo, it is clear that the piano is soloing; there is no trading between band
members. The band backing him, comprised of bassist Steve Davis and drummer
Lex Humphries, makes sure to play under Tyner as well as provide the music with a
perpetual motion that makes the listener want to tap his or her foot in time with the
bassists quarter notes and to move his or her head with the drummers hi-hat
cymbal on beats two and four. Tyners solo is relaxed and tame, opting for melodic
development and less harmonic complexity. This recording was done on March 4,
1963.
Another take is done by a present day jazz ensemble, called the New York
Jazz Lounge. Opting for the typical jazz combo setup of at least one horn (tenor
saxophone, trumpet, flute, etc.), and piano trio, the band covers jazz standards that
one would expect to hear at a stately New York cocktail lounge, or even a shopping
mall. As such, the music takes on the same relaxed feel as the original. Keeping in
tradition with the original, the bassist and drummer keep a steady and relaxed beat,
playing ever so slightly behind the beat to enhance the listeners experience of
being in a place of class. The tenor saxophone and piano solos fall in the pocket

and refrain from becoming too harmonically complex. As a result, this type of jazz is
actually classified under easy listening, music that is designed to relax the listener
and to create a vibe. The band does this well, but the tune Satin Doll and its
simple melody and chord changes lend itself to the mood desired. Ellington and
Strayhorn probably had no clue that their music would outlive them for more than
three generations, but now more than ever their music is appreciated by all who
give it a listen.

Works Cited
1. Cook, Stephen. "Nights of Ballads & Blues - McCoy Tyner | Credits | AllMusic."
AllMusic. Web. 20 Mar. 2015. <http://www.allmusic.com/album/nights-ofballads-blues-mw0000205692/credits>.
2. Storyville Records. Duke Ellington - Satin Doll (1962) [official video] Online
video clip. YouTube.
YouTube, 4 Dec. 2012. 20 Mar. 2015.
3. Wilson, Jeremy. "Jazz Standards Songs and Instrumentals (Satin Doll)." Jazz
Standards Songs and Instrumentals (Satin Doll). Web. 21 Mar. 2015.
<http://www.jazzstandards.com/compositions-0/satindoll.htm>.