In-Class Analysis Exercise - 10.27.2014

"Take the A Train," Duke Ellington

This is a musical piece done by a band of people, composed in 1939.  The song starts off with a shrill saxophone, imitating the sound of a train.  The shrill action-noises remind me of the original Batman series scene transitions.  The video reveals that there were four saxophones and at least six trumpets to mock the sound of a train's horn. The musicians also scat to recreate the sounds of the mechanics of a train.  They make me think of the engine thumping and machinery ticking.  The bass also reminds me of the deep chugging of a train.  Rather than coming off as campy or hokey, the impersonations give the piece a very fun and uplifting mood characteristic of the music of the time.
When the female vocalist comes in, the instruments take a much more musical tone rather than artistically impersonating a train.  I would definitely categorize this as a musical number, seeing as it has lyrics and instruments synchronized to a beat.  While the beginning is very theatrical in its audio, it quickly transitions into a catchy, upbeat musical number.  There is a slight fuzz in the background, indicating that this song was recorded decades ago, but I feel that this adds to the character and genuineness of the audio clip.  The fuzz harkens to a simpler, more optimistic time.  I could listen to this clip all day.  It makes me happy.