“Jazz Cocktail” – Duke Ellington and his Famous Orchestra (1932)

The Duke’s men take on a swingin’ original composition by Benny Carter.

There’s a fun moment during the trombone solo (I believe by Joe Nanton?) starting at 1:37 is a playful quote of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” – see if you can catch it!

Recorded in New York City on September 21, 1932.
Released in the U.K. as Brunswick 1399.
Originally released in the U.S. as Brunswick 6404.

Credits:
Duke Ellington – piano, director
Arthur Whetsel Freddy Jenkins, Cootie Williams – trumpet
Joe Nanton, Lawrence Brown – trombone
Juan Tizol – valve trombone
Johnny Hodges – clarinet, soprano sax, alto sax
Barney Bigard – clarinet, tenor sax
Harry Carney – clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
Otto Hardwick – alto sax, bass sax
Fred Guy – banjo, guitar
Wellman Braud – string bass
Sonny Greer – drums
Benny Carter – arranger