A remarkable tune that changed jazz forever – “Mood Indigo” by Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra. Originally titled “Dreamy Blues”, it is a composition that makes a radical shift from the hot jazz idiom – evoking a serene melancholy with gentle wistful solos. A key moment in American music.
This Victor release was not the first recording of the tune – in fact, it was the seventh recording (though three of the others were never issued on 78 rpm). Earlier versions were recorded on Brunswick (10/17), Okeh (10/30) and Victor (11/21 – though this take did not get released until much later on an Ellington RCA Victor album set).
Recorded in New York on December 10, 1930.
Released on Victor (22587, 24486, 44-0010) and HMV (B-4842, B-6354, EA-989, HN-207, K-6153)
Credits:
Duke Ellington – piano, arranger, director
Arthur Whetsel, Freddy Jenkins, Cootie Williams – trumpet
Joe Nanton – trombone
Juan Tizol – valve trombone
Johnny Hodges – clarinet, alto sax, soprano sax
Harry Carney – clarinet, alto sax, baritone sax
Barney Bigard – clarinet, tenor sax
Fred Guy – banjo
Wellman Braud – string bass
Sonny Greer – drums
Leave a Reply