A 2021 performance of Miles Davis's Donna Lee by the LA Jazz Connection, featuring Danny Janklow on alto saxophone, Josh Mellicker on electric guitar, and Anthony Fung on drums. Based on the chord changes of the standard Indiana, Donna Lee is performed with a Latin feel at 240-256 BPM in A-flat. Janklow takes three choruses on alto sax, Mellicker delivers an extended five-chorus guitar solo, and Fung contributes a two-chorus drum solo. The tune's densely chromatic melody and fast-moving chord changes make it one of the most technically demanding compositions in the bebop repertoire. The Latin rhythmic treatment adds another layer of complexity, as the syncopated accents interact with the rapid harmonic rhythm. Originally recorded by Charlie Parker in 1947, Donna Lee has been a test piece for jazz instrumentalists across all eras. Mellicker's five-chorus guitar solo is particularly notable given the demanding tempo and harmonic density. Fung's drum solo maintains the Latin framework while displaying rhythmic inventiveness. This performance demonstrates the LA Jazz Connection's comfort with the most challenging material in the jazz canon.
