00:00 Begins with baritone saxophone, trombones, and drums. The drums were meant to be reminiscent of the drums of Congo Square. This tom-tom pattern is prevalent throughout the piece. After this introduction the piece follows a blues progression.
00:12 The opening chorus features trombonist Juan Tizol in an antiphonal exchange with the saxophone section.
00:31 Second chorus: A new trombone soloist (Joe Nanton) is now featured with muted brass backup. Listen for Nanton's use of a plunger over his bell for interpretive effect.
00:50 Third chorus: Trombone solo continues.
01:08 New chorus: The saxophone section enters and takes over the exchange with the muted brass. Listen for Ellington on the piano as he plays accented chords and fill-ins.
01:26 New chorus: Brass now take the lead while part of the reed section plays long notes. The rest of the section responds melodically to the brass figures. Notice the dissonant chords played by the woodwinds.
01:44 A rising chord pyramids up from the saxophones, then the trombones, the trumpets, and finally the upper woodwinds. The chorus ends on accented chords.
01:47 The bass (Jimmy Blanton) plays solo breaks with the rest of the band for the next chorus.
01:50 The band responds.
01:53 Bass solo break.
01:56 Band returns with an ascending chord.
01:59 Bass solo break.
02:02 Brass begin the next chorus with loud "shout" chords while the saxophones play a responding melody.
02:21 Returns to a texture like the introduction with the tom-tom beat, trombones, and baritone saxophone.
02:33 Final phrase crescendos to the end.
02:41 End.