Duke Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" receives a medium-tempo swing treatment on Stephen Riley's 2018 album Oleo. The 32-bar AABA form in C unfolds at approximately 97 BPM, a comfortable medium tempo that allows for relaxed, bluesy improvisation. In contrast to the typical arrangement, this recording features solos from trumpeter Joe Magnarelli and bassist Jay Anderson rather than from Riley himself. Magnarelli takes two expansive choruses, bringing a warm, singing tone to Ellington's elegant changes with the kind of melodic sophistication that the Duke's music demands. Anderson follows with a single chorus of acoustic bass improvisation that maintains the unhurried, swinging groove. Ellington composed this piece in 1940, originally as an instrumental called "Never No Lament," and lyricist Bob Russell later added the words that made it a popular hit. The tune has remained a jazz staple for decades, its accessible melody and relaxed harmonic rhythm making it an ideal vehicle for melodic improvisation. The absence of a tenor saxophone solo on this track is an interesting artistic decision, suggesting that Riley chose to let his sidemen take the spotlight while he contributed to the ensemble texture. The recording rounds out the Oleo album with a nod to the Ellington tradition.
