As its title suggests, Ellington wrote this piece to feature the trombones. Both Brown and Nanton’s slide trombones qualify as slippery; Tizol’s valve trombone, not so much. First recorded and issued in May, 1932, the band rerecorded it at a faster (and more successful) tempo nearly a year later. Clearly, this is the benefit of nightly performances with a steady personnel.

By this time, Tiger Rag, the New Orleans test piece, was considered old-fashioned, but Ellington was still fascinated with it. He had written several pieces on those chord changes and would go on to write a few more over the next 20 years, most notably, Daybreak Express and Braggin’ In Brass. As late as the 1960s, Strayhorn wrote Island Virgin. 

Usually, Tiger Rag was played at a fast clip, but Slippery Horn, being for the not so nimble trombone section was taken at a leisurely tempo. Within these limitations, Ellington pushes the envelope in terms of harmony, riffs, and extended range.

The trombone soli chorus is followed by solos for Bigard, Cootie, and Lawrence Brown. 

Personnel

Recorded February 17, 1933 NYC Brunswick B13078-A

Reeds: Otto Hardwick (Alto), Johnny Hodges (Alto), Barney Bigard (Clarinet), Harry Carney (Bari)

Trumpets: Arthur Whetsel, Cootie Williams, Freddy Jenkins

Trombones: Lawrence Brown, Tricky Sam Nanton, Juan Tizol

Guitar: Fred Guy

Piano: Duke Ellington

Bass: Wellman Braud

Drums: Sonny Greer

Soloists: Bigard, Williams, Brown

Form 

8 bars:             Intro

32 bars:           Trombone Soli: aba’c

32 bars:           Clarinet Solo

32 bars:           Trumpet Solo

24 Bars:           Trombone Solo

8 Bars:             Ensemble

3 Bars:             Tag