Listen to an excerpt of “East St. Louis Toodle-Oo,” a jazz composition written by Duke Ellington and Bubber Miley in 1927, which featured Ellington on piano, Miley on trumpet, and Joe “Tricky Sam” Nanton on trombone when it was originally recorded by Duke Ellington’s band. Bubber Miley and Joe Nanton were two of several legendary jazz musicians who lived and performed in the San Juan Hill neighborhood of New York City in the first half of the 20th century, including James P. Johnson, Benny Carter, Russell Procope, and Thelonious Monk—many of whom played together. In this video clip, experience a fresh take on the classic piece, as arranged by Juilliard musician Andre Perlman and performed by his band, as part of Jazz, Afro-Caribbean Music, and the Sounds of San Juan Hill, a program celebrating the cross-cultural musical innovation of that historic neighborhood.

Musicians
Andre Perlman, Trombone
Emma Lacy, Saxophone
Nathaniel Williford, Trumpet
Isaiah Bravo, Drums
Ruby Farmer, Bass
William Hill, Piano

This performance was filmed at Lincoln Center on April 2, 2025.