Charlie Shavers
Trumpet Solo on
Moonglow

About

Charlie Shavers's half-chorus trumpet solo is the sole improvisation on this warm, swinging reading of the Hudson-Mills standard. Shavers solos over the A sections before Billie Holiday takes it back to the top and out. At 117 BPM over half of the 32-bar AABA form in G, Shavers packs melodic invention and rhythmic flair into a compact statement that enhances rather than overshadows Holiday's vocal. His brilliant technique is tempered by the relaxed, dreamy atmosphere suggested by the song's title, creating a solo that serves the performance's overall mood while still showcasing his instrumental gifts.

Charlie Shavers was 31 to 32 years old at the time.