Origin:

First recorded by Ben Bernie and his Orchestra.

Style:

Swing, usually played at fast tempos.

Form:

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

Key:

Most commonly played in Ab Major.

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is very functional. The A sections consist entirely of cycling Dominants, beginning with VI7. The C section begins on VImi and finishes with I - VII - bVII - VI before a final II - V  turnaround back to the tonic. The changes have proved to be immensely  popular amongst soloists and have also been used as the basis for many  compositions such as “Dig” by Miles Davis, as well as  “Bright  Mississippi” by Thelonious Monk.

Recordings:

This song was recorded nearly 500 times in the 1950's and 60's alone. It was first recorded by Ben Bernie and his Orchestra in 1925, and it later achieved massive success after a recording by Brother Bones' went on to  become the theme song for the Harlem Globetrotters. It has since been recorded by many leading artists, and continues to be a jam session  favorite.

JGC Top Picks:

Coleman Hawkins (with Django Reinhardt and Benny Carter), 1937

Bud Powell, Jazz Giant, 1950

Oscar Peterson, Montreux ’77 (Live), 1977