[Dixielandjazz] Re: Ellington & Mood Indigo

[Stephen Barbone]

Hi Bill & Listmates

That is a good question. Maybe he just doesn't carry it around? Or perhaps he wants
to get the audience involved in digging it up and asking questions about it? So
many folks who are "jazz fans" have neither an appreciation for the genius of
Ellington, nor the unique place in history of those 1930 Mood Indigo arrangements,
clarinet low notes, trombone high notes. Pure and beautiful.

The professor is an unabashed Ellington fan as was Stan Kenton.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone

PS. I heard Kenny Davern do it live about 2 years ago and was blown away by the
harmony that he used. First low register and then altisimo as only he can. Wow, so
beautiful as to send one back to the woodshed to rethink it,  or to quit entirely
and use the ax for firewood.

Bill Haesler wrote:

> > This is why Gunter Schuller wants the 1930 Ellington recording of Mood
> Indigo............ The first two recorded in October are spare and elegantly
> simple. For the next version, recorded in December 1930, Ellington adds an
> orchestral accompaniment that showcases the poignant solo of trumpeter Arthur
> Whetsol and the gentle flowing sound of clarinetist Bigard. (Who co composed the
> tune).<
>
> Thanks Steve,
> I agree. That certainly sounds like a good enough reason.
> However, I wonder why Prof. Schuller doesn't have his own copy.
> It has been in my collection since I can't remember. From the days when
> everything was on 78s.
> Anyone who loves OKOM should have it as a matter of course.
> Very kind regards,
> Bill.