Take The “A†Train
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A late-period stereo reading of a swing classic
Ted Heath's 1967 recording of “Take the 'A' Train” revisits a swing standard with the spacious, high-fidelity sound of his later orchestra. Billy Strayhorn's composition, closely associated with Duke Ellington, is propelled by a lively melody and a sense of forward motion. Heath's ensemble brings its own precision to the piece, letting the brass sections deliver crisp, coordinated phrases while the rhythm section keeps the performance buoyant.
This version appears on *Swing Is King*, an album recorded in the era of Decca's Phase 4 Stereo releases. That context matters because the production presents a large orchestra as an expansive listening experience, with clear separation between sections and a fuller studio sound than many earlier big-band recordings. Heath had recorded the tune before, so this entry represents a later return to the standard rather than the only version in his catalogue.
No major chart story is attached to this particular recording, but the piece remains an effective showcase for the orchestra's ensemble discipline and Heath's long-running commitment to swing repertoire. “Take the 'A' Train” has been interpreted by countless bands, making arrangement and performance the key points of distinction. Heath's 1967 take balances the tune's historic connection to Ellington with a polished late-1960s studio presentation that emphasizes scale, brass color and rhythmic drive.