How to Play Centerpiece by Harry “Sweets” Edison

Harry “Sweets” Edison, trumpet player for the Count Basie Big Band, wrote and released Centerpiece on his “Sweetenings” album in 1958. You can’t find this album on streaming, but here it is on YouTube, below. Notice the tempo, nothing flashy about this version of the song!

This website his several resources for you on how to play this tune.

First and foremost, I encourage you to learn the melody from the recording. You can use a real book, but sometimes the chords are wrong, so I advise to use the recording first.

Once you’ve learned the melody and play along, I would advise you to start learning the chords.

After learning the chords, I would advise to learn the piano voicings. I have created piano voicings tutorials to help you.

Another way to help internalize the chords is to learn the bass line. Below you will find bass line resources for all instruments.

Hope this is helpful!

About a year or so after Mr. Edison released his “Sweetenings” album, Jon Hendricks wrote lyrics and released it on Lambert, Hendrick’s and Ross’s “Everybody’s Boppin” album in 1959. Notice their 3 part harmonies!