Duke Ellington

Satin Doll

Satin Doll is one of the most famous Duke Ellington's 'jazz standards'. It was written in 1953, and soon became a great hit in its instrumental version. Johnny Mercer, regarded as one of America's greatest songwriters in that time, was asked to write lyrics to the song, and after that Satin Doll has been recorded countless times, by such artists as Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. Ellington himself used Satin Doll as the closing number at most of his concerts.
For young musicians, this arrangement can be a great vehicle to achive a deeper understanding of swing and groove. Take notice of the tempo mark, and make sure that each musician play in a laid-back swing style.

Grade 2,5