Herb Ellis
Electric Guitar Solo on
Old Devil Moon

About

Herb Ellis takes the featured instrumental solo with most of one chorus of electric guitar on "Old Devil Moon" from Anita O'Day's 1957 album Anita Sings the Most. At approximately 215 BPM over the 48-bar AA' form in B-flat, his warm-toned guitar work blends swing-era elegance with bebop harmonic sophistication, each phrase reflecting the effortless fluency that made him one of the most respected guitarists in jazz. As a member of the Oscar Peterson Trio and the sole soloist on this track, Ellis was at the peak of his powers during this period. His solo provides an ideal complement to O'Day's vocal approach, maintaining the performance's buoyant swing feel.

Herb Ellis was 35 to 36 years old at the time.