The trumpet and cornet are the highest members of the brass family used in jazz bands. They can be played either in a flashy and extroverted style, or more bluesy and expressively. Because of slight differences in construction, the trumpet tends to be more brilliant and piercing in tone, and for this reason has generally come to be favored over the cornet by most jazz musicians. Its role in a jazz band is mainly to carry the main melody of the song.
This was recorded on November 7, 1952, for the first album by the Dukes of Dixieland, one of the most popular bands to come out of New Orleans in the 1950s. It demonstrates the high trumpet at its most brilliant and extravagant. Notice towards the end of the chorus how the three lead instruments—trumpet, trombone, and clarinet—interact with one another.
Jazz Me Blues (Jack Delaney). The Dukes of Dixieland: Frank Assunto, trumpet; Fred Assunto, trombone; Bill Shea, clarinet; Stanley Mendelson, piano; "Little Chink" Martin, string bass; Roger Johnston, drums. One chorus.
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