Riding the Rails with Duke: Ellington’s Love Affair with Trains
Duke Ellington’s journey through American music history was a sonic train traveling through diverse and complex sounds. Yet one of his most enduring musical themes, dating back to his earliest recordings, was his fascination with trains.
Ellington’s very first recordings include his first portrait of a train: “Choo Choo,” recorded in November 1924 by “The Washingtonians.” Right at the beginning, the brass voices are reminiscent of the signal tones of an approaching train. It’s also Ellington’s first recording experience with the brilliant trumpeter Bubber Miley. For years, Miley was Eliza’s most important soloist.
The musical representation of a train passing by wasn’t new at the time. Long before Ellington had Fletcher Henderson made a train roll in “Chicago Blues” from February 1924. In his autobiography, Duke Ellington wrote about his colleague:
“Henderson’s band, more than any other, was the one that ushered in what came to be known as the swing era. When I formed my own large orchestra in New York, I wanted it to sound like his.”
The stylistic connection is apparent.
Then there’s Ellington’s own “Choo Choo”.
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– What specific elements in Duke Ellington’s compositions evoke the imagery and sounds of trains?
## Riding the Rails with Duke: A Musical Journey
**Host:** Welcome back to ”Jazzed Up,” where we explore the fascinating world of Jazz. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of Duke Ellington, a true maestro known for his groundbreaking arrangements and a surprising fascination… with trains! Michael, our resident Jazz historian, is here to shed light on this intriguing theme.
Welcome, Michael!
**Michael:** Thanks for having me! It’s always a pleasure to talk about Duke Ellington.
**Host:** Now, Michael, Ellington’s musical journey was expansive, traversing various genres and styles. How did trains become such a recurring theme in his work?
**Michael:** You know, it’s truly remarkable. Ellington’s love affair with trains started right from the beginning. His very first recording back in November 1924, “Choo Choo” with his band “The Washingtonians,” is practically a sonic depiction of a train arriving. The brass sections mimicked the signal tones, it’s almost like you can hear the whistle blowing!
**Host:** That’s incredible! What about “Take the A Train”? It’s one of his most famous songs and synonymous with New York City. Does that one tie into the train theme as well?
**Michael:** Absolutely! While not explicitly about a train journey, ”Take the A Train” refers to the subway line in New York. Ellington used the A train as a metaphor for travel and movement, drawing parallels between the bustling energy of the city and the rhythmic pulse of the music.
**Host:** Interesting! So, for Ellington, trains represented more than just locomotives; they were symbols of dynamism, travel, and the heart of urban life.
**Michael:** Exactly! Ellington captured the essence of movement and journey not just through the sound, but through the intellectual depth of his compositions. Trains became a recurring motif, reflecting his own journey through the ever-evolving landscape of Jazz.
**Host:** Fascinating insights, Michael. As we wrap up, where can our listeners delve deeper into Ellington’s musical train ride?
**Michael:** Well, for enthusiasts looking for a physical copy, this [1](https://www.ebay.com/itm/226011994810) listing on eBay offers a copy of “Take The A Train” on cassette tape.
**Host:** Wonderful! Thank you so much, Michael, for illuminating this unique aspect of Duke Ellington’s legacy.
**Michael:** My pleasure! Always a joy to talk Jazz.
