Howard McGhee
Trumpet Solo on
Bebop

About

Howard McGhee closes out the solos on trumpet with two choruses, following Jimmy Bunn at approximately 316 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar AABA form and the key of F, the solo tests the player's command at high velocity. Coming last in the solo order, McGhee has the task of building on everything that came before while steering the performance back toward the closing head. McGhee's extended trumpet solo is a highlight, showcasing his considerable command of the bebop language. Few tempos are as unforgiving, requiring total command of the instrument to maintain musical coherence.

Howard McGhee was 27 to 28 years old at the time.