I've been hooked on a song for the past few weeks. I have just recently rediscovered this song. It was a song my parents listened to when I was young. The song, In a Sentimental Mood, is a jazz composition by Duke Ellington. Duke Ellington wrote it in 1935 and recorded it with his orchestra the same year.
Duke Ellington at the Hurricane Club in New York, May 1943.
Even though Ellington composed this song before my parents were born, his most popular version of it was a joint venture with jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. This version was recorded on September 26, 1962 and released on an album titled - Duke Ellington and John Coltrane. This was the version my parents quickly became fans of. I've later learned that my grandparents grooved to the original composition (from 1935) which featured solos by Otto Hardwicke, Harry Carney, Lawrence Brown, and Rex Stewart.
So this really is timeless music.
Sentimentality is a very unique and complex emotion. In my opinion, it walks a delicate line between sadness and joy. It's quite easy for me to get lost in another place when I hear this song. There's something strangely familiar and addictive about this tune and find myself hitting the replay button over and over. Maybe it's the (CESH) chromatic embellishment of static harmony that has me hooked. I don't know for sure but consistently, this tune leaves me in a relaxed and happy place.
So where does it leave you?
5 comments:
Mmmm... Listened twice and wondered why I don't have it on my iTunes or a CD.
I get those same twinge-ish feelings with Vaughn-Williams and Barber and Bach. And with the old photos of people who aren't here anymore or are grown-up now (like me!)...
Dare I say I was two days old when that was recorded? Wow. Feeling old and young at the same time...
well i listened it twice
for me, sentimentality goes right along with reminiscing. and while even my parents weren't quite in their teens when this song was written, i never find it hard to put myself back to a time when things were different--yet not so different--i love to try to feel the thoughts, ideas and dreams of another era. definitely puts me in a dreamy mood!
bein a child of the 70s myself, music from that decade is what makes me MOST sentimental. remembering mom and dad singing along in the car...they were young, new parents, and dad still decently fresh from Viet Nam. i remember songs from when my sister was born in 79, too. there's definitely a direct connection with hearing certain tunes to memories stashed deep in my mind!
i think you hit it right on the nose saying sentimentality is a VERY complex emotion. it truly is--and it's a blessing as well. it makes me feel grateful for what i have in my life and encourages me to pump out that positive energy to hopefully create a pool of cherished memories for myself and those around me!
great post! :D
Footsteps,
I think I should get your playlist from your itunes account. I bet you have great music...
Josey,
Much thanks for the comment. I hope you are singing along when you drive! Keeping the spirit of the 70's alive.
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