Origin:

First recorded by the Ellington Orchestra

Style:

Most commonly played swing, sometimes latin. Taken at a wide variety of tempos.

Form:

A-A-B-A (32 Bars) [8-8-8-8]

Key:

Bb Major

Harmony/Overview:

The  harmony of this composition is very functional and exceptionally simple. The A sections are made up entirely of a IImi7 - V7 - IMaj7 progression and the bridge is identical to that of a rhythm changes;  III7 - VI7 - II7 - V7. It also features a very simplistic riff-based  melody that is made up of only a handful of notes. An additional theme is often used in the out-chorus when performing this tune and this  alternative riff can be attributed to a multitude of players, most notably Tadd Dameron and Benny Harris; this contrafact is commonly referred to as "Wahoo".

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 250 times to date. Duke Ellington first recorded it in 1941 for a radio broadcast, although his studio recording from the following year is generally regarded as the first official  recording. It is an especially popular jam session vehicle and as a result is has been recorded by countless number of prominent jazz musicians. Lyrics were later added by Ervin Drake and Hans Lengsfelder  in 1944 which helped to open up the tune to vocalists also.

JGC Top Picks:

Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz at the Philharmonic, 1949

Dave Brubeck, Jazz at Oberlin, 1953

Ben Webster and Don Byas, Ben Webster Meets Don Byas, 1968