"'Round Midnight" was composed by Thelonious Monk, and trumpeter Cootie Williams – famous for his years with Duke Ellington – made the first recording of the tune with his own orchestra in 1944.
Jazz Transcription • Jazz
Round MidnightCootie Williams
Cootie WilliamsPortrait: Wikimedia Commons
This version is an important part of jazz history and a great study piece for trumpet players.
Cootie Williams was known for his powerful sound and expressive use of the plunger mute. Listen to his interpretation and study how he presents the melody.
Study tips
- Compare his version with later recordings of the tune.
- Study his use of sound and mute effects.
- Practise the melody with the backing track.
Browse all works in the Trumpet Play-Along Catalog A–Z or find PDF parts in the Trumpet Sheet Music Library.
