(72) “Cotton Tail” and Ben Webster

Standards Ratting 8 Difficulty Rating 5

Ben Webster, born in 1909 in Kansas City, Missouri, was a leading tenor saxophonist of the Swing Era, known for his rich, raspy tone and blues-infused phrasing. Bridging the styles of Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins, he became a key figure in Duke Ellington’s Orchestra during the early 1940s. This period, known as the "Blanton-Webster years," produced some of Ellington’s finest recordings. One standout is “Cotton Tail” (1940), a fast-paced, rhythm-changes-based composition featuring Webster’s iconic two-chorus solo. His playing blends lyrical swing with bold melodic invention, especially in the bridge, where he builds intensity with repeated motifs and upper-register runs. The arrangement showcases Ellington’s mastery and his band’s precision, with standout solos from Harry Carney and Ellington himself. Cotton Tail remains a definitive jazz recording, capturing Webster at his expressive best and solidifying his place in jazz history. Later versions, like Oscar Peterson’s 1959 take, reimagine the tune in a small-group setting.

Duke Ellington

Oscar Peterson Trio

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(71) “Coral” and Keith Jarrett

Standards Rating 2 Difficulty Rating 6

Keith Jarrett, born in 1945, is a groundbreaking pianist celebrated for his emotionally charged improvisations and genre-blending artistry. Known for his solo performances and collaborations with jazz legends such as Miles Davis and Charles Lloyd, Jarrett’s work encompasses jazz, classical, and avant-garde traditions. His 1975 Köln Concert is one of the most iconic solo piano recordings in the history of music. Among his compositions, “Coral” stands out as a hauntingly beautiful 8-bar ballad in B♭ major. Reminiscent of Bill Evans, it features a stream-of-consciousness melody and an unpredictable yet harmonically rich progression. The tune unfolds with ii–V sequences, unexpected modulations, and lush voicings, creating a contemplative, floating atmosphere. Its subtle complexity offers both challenge and inspiration for performers. Recorded by vibraphonist Gary Burton in 1978 with Tiger Okoshi and others, “Coral” is reimagined with lyrical beauty and emotional depth, showcasing its enduring appeal and the expressive power of Jarrett’s writing.

Gary Burton Version

John Scofield Version

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Sam Sadigursky is widely recognized as one of the most talented clarinetists and reed doublers of his generation. He has released eleven acclaimed albums as a leader and appears on over sixty recordings as a sideman, including numerous Grammy-nominated and Grammy Award-winning projects. A member of the Philip Glass Ensemble, he has also toured and recorded with Brad Mehldau, David Byrne, Bruce Hornsby, Darcy James Argue’s Secret Society, the Mingus Orchestra, and U.S. Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky. From 2017 to 2019, Sadigursky was the onstage clarinetist in the Grammy, Tony, and Emmy Award-winning Broadway production of The Band’s Visit, and he has performed in over twenty other Broadway productions.

Blending Jewish spiritual and Klezmer music with post-minimalist classical, jazz, and elements of American folk, Sadigursky and accordionist/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Koci recently released Volumes IV and V of The Solomon Diaries on Adhyaropa Records. This five-album series reflects on the Borscht Belt—the once-thriving Jewish resort region that helped shape 20th-century American culture—while also exploring contemporary experiences of immigration and Jewish identity.

The Solomon Diaries Volume IV .https://open.spotify.com/album/6aueHALAzKJf0eDoo048ek?si=LVmkM3hhQiSBUJJBb1egAw

The Solomon Diaries Volume V

https://open.spotify.com/album/6dkN03M2qai0xXNC38VTSa?si=bBjX0IVXQQyJO4J1hjKtVA