when your tone is smoother than butter

Transcription of Eli Sullivans solo on Solid Old Man by Duke Ellington. Played by Roosevelt High School at Essentially Ellington 2019, all the solos were incredible, but I just couldn't get past the tone of the soprano player, Eli. In the future I might come back and transcribe some of the other solos. I hope you enjoy the transcription!

[Moserboy]

the drummer looks like he’s got someone tied to the train tracks. so devious.

[jmzt]

Solo so good that they got the living troll face on the drums

[ThaoNguyen-nwlf]

drummer got that face like he's about to commit a crime 💀

[alecbattien]

We did this tune in our high school jazz band last year and we all had the whole video memorized and this solo was always a delight to listen to

[pollosasadosalcarbon]

drummer's face really says it all

[calvinmark]

Well you know, famous jazz musician Miles Davis once said:

“Don’t play the butter notes…”

[andybaldman]

How do people get this good in HIGH SCHOOL?

[alejandro]

Bro the Drummer is so good at keeping the beat. He’s really good. And the Solo was excellent.

[bork]

The drummer is so happy, the amount of joy on his face, the whole band is reaping the rewards of their practice and it shows how much it means to them, love it

[ForkySeven]

I didn't know Robbie Rotten could play drums

[legentilmuyombo]

0:27 was 👌
What made it even more legendary was how they were dressed.
I wish I was there.

[iankolb]

The trombone player came up like “fuck how I am gonna top that” but then he started laying it down too!!

[Lele-husr]

This was so cool! I've never played a wind instrument but I imagine its very very difficult. Kudos!

[hippolytabaker]

I've seen Roosevelt play during a couple of performances years and years ago, one of the best high school jazz bands around. Absolute treat.

[bandgeek]

Growing up near Seattle, I'm not the least bit surprised that this is Roosevelt. Them and Garfield always dominated jazz comps

[Irnman]

Probably the nicest soprano sax tone I've heard

[AmgedphaLimael]

I love that in this type of live music, most of the musicians are their own audience; they don't just play their music, they, for that moment, ARE their music and each others admirers.

Wonderful!

[dellamcgowan]

They’re all so young. Their families must be so proud. I am & I don’t know them! Congratulations & hugs to you all.
Della McGowan

[benjamindhall]

My favorite drummer from any Essentially Ellington performances I’ve ever seen.

[AriTheInterloper]

this is so smooth i ong thought it was a trumpet. respect 💯