“In a Jam” – Duke Ellington and his Orchestra (1936)

It’s been called one of Ellington’s “most exuberant records” – which is a high bar – and indeed, “In a Jam” from July of 1936 does not disappoint. The head begins with a simple but insistent swing riff, which serves as a recurring chorus that appears between solos.

Recorded in New York City on July 29, 1936.
Released as Brunswick 7734.

Duke Ellington – piano, arranger, director
Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams – trumpet
Rex Stewart – cornet
Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown – trombone
Juan Tizol – valve trombone
Barney Bigard – clarinet
Johnny Hodges – clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax
Harry Carney – clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
Otto Hardwick – alto sax, bass sax
Ben Webster – tenor sax
Fred Guy – guitar
Billy Taylor – bass
Sonny Greer – drums