J. J. Johnson
Trombone Solo on
Quasimodo

About

J. J. Johnson's trombone solo is the 3rd of 4 on this recording, spanning a quarter of the form at approximately 135 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 32-bar ABAC form and the key of E♭, the solo navigates the chord changes with purpose. The tune borrows its harmonic structure from "Embraceable You," a set of changes that generations of improvisers have used as a testing ground for new ideas. Positioned between Duke Jordan and Miles Davis, Johnson bridges the conversation between the two. Johnson on trombone. Johnson plays over the first 8 bars of the chorus followed by Miles Davis.

J. J. Johnson was 22 to 23 years old at the time.