Take The 'A' Train (E.Wilkins)

Billy Strayhorn’s iconic "Take The 'A' Train" stands as the definitive signature tune of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, originally recorded in 1941 and instantly capturing the urbane sophistication of the swing era. Built upon a clever alteration of a chord substitution exercise given to Strayhorn by Ellington, the tune quickly evolved from a simple travel-inspired melody into an anthem of American big band jazz. While the world-famous original chart remains a cornerstone of jazz history, master arranger and composer Ernie Wilkins applied his formidable post-bop sensibilities to the material, reshaping it into a powerhouse vehicle that bridges traditional swing vitality with the punchy, harmonically enriched textures of modern big band writing. Driving forward with an infectious, hard-swinging medium-up tempo, this Ernie Wilkins treatment radiates high-octane energy and sophisticated urban cool. The arrangement opens with a brilliant reimagining of the familiar motif before launching into robust ensemble passages characterized by rich, extended chord voicings and razor-sharp dynamic contrasts. Wilkins infuses the standard form with a blues-drenched urgency, utilizing roaring brass counterlines and cascading woodwind runs that evoke the bustling rhythm of a midnight express. The harmonic landscape expands beyond standard Tin Pan Alley changes, incorporating clever chromatic detours and unexpected modal colorings that keep both performers and listeners thoroughly engaged. Ernie Wilkins, celebrated for his legendary writing work for the Count Basie Orchestra and his own contemporary big bands, approaches the chart with a masterclass in economy of space and rhythmic propulsion. Rather than cluttering the texture, Wilkins utilizes classic call-and-response mechanics between the saxes, trumpets, and trombones, building monumental tension that erupts into a quintessential high-register shout chorus. The saxophone section is treated to a lush, harmonically dense soli that showcases intricate bebop-infused line-writing, while the brass section commands attention with crisp, staccato articulations and controlled plunger effects. Solos are open for featured trumpet and tenor saxophone, allowing improvisers to stretch out over driving, hook-laden backgrounds. Advanced high school ensembles, collegiate jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this arrangement an exceptional centerpiece for festival adjudication or concert performance. While the technical demands require proficient sight-reading, strong sectional independence, and a mature grasp of swing articulation—particularly in the high-register trumpet parts and fast-moving saxophone solis—the payoff is immense. Every section receives substantial, engaging material, making it a masterclass in dynamic ensemble interplay that rewards meticulous rehearsal and brings audiences straight to their feet. Executing this Ernie Wilkins arrangement successfully requires precision, stamina, and an authentic, driving swing feel anchored by the rhythm section. The tempo should remain steady and forward-moving; avoid dragging the downbeats, as the momentum relies heavily on crisp hi-hat definition on beats two and four. * **Technical Challenges:** The trumpet section faces high-register demands, with lead parts ascending cleanly into the upper staff. Ensure that the brass balance their muted passages (utilizing cup or bucket mutes where indicated) against the open ensemble hits. * **Articulation:** Pay meticulous attention to short, punched accents and articulated drop-offs or doits in the brass. The saxophones must execute their fast bebop lines with a light, legato tongue, ensuring the eighth-note lines swing naturally rather than sounding stiff. * **Rehearsal Strategy:** Isolate the saxophone soli early in the rehearsal process to lock in intonation and blend across the section. Balance the shout chorus carefully so that the underlying rhythm section remains transparent beneath the soaring brass counter-melodies. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The arrangement is scored for a standard 18-piece big band instrumentation, comprising 5 saxophones (Alto 1, Alto 2, Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone), 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a full 5-piece rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums), spanning a total of 38 pages of music. Q: What is the difficulty level of this chart? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for college jazz ensembles, advanced high school bands, and professional or community big bands with strong lead players. Q: How does this version differ from the standard Duke Ellington recording? A: While retaining the famous melody and overall theme, Ernie Wilkins reimagines the chart through a post-bop harmonic lens, adding sophisticated chord substitutions, a dense saxophone soli, and a powerful, high-energy shout chorus unique to his writing style. Q: Does the chart feature improvised solo sections? A: Yes, the arrangement includes designated solo space with written background figures for featured soloists, typically highlighting tenor saxophone and trumpet. Q: What is the recommended tempo and performance duration? A: The chart is set in a driving medium-up swing feel (around 180–192 BPM) and typically runs approximately 3 to 4 minutes in performance length depending on the number of solo choruses taken.