Origin:

First recorded by Johnny Hodges.

Style:

Introduced as a slow swing, it is also sometimes played at medium tempos.

Form:

12 Bar Major Blues

Arrangements:

The bass typically plays a V pedal for the turnaround during the head.

Key:

Introduced in Db Major, it is commonly taken in many different keys.

Harmony/Overview:

A straight-ahead 12 bar Major blues with a II - V turnaround.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 220 times to date. It was sometimes referred to as "Times-A Wastin'" during the mid 1940's, although it has  come to be most commonly known as "Things Ain't What They Used To Be".  In 1941 Duke Ellington's music was kept off the radio because he was in a battle over royalties with ASCAP, but compositions by his son Mercer were not at all affected. As a result Mercer brought forward this piece  to the Orchestra as they needed new material to record. Until the dispute was settled Duke would not record it himself, and in the meantime Johnny Hodges introduced the song in 1941. It is typically played as an instrumental, although Ted Persons would later add lyrics  to the composition. It has since become one of the most popular blues heads in the repertoire.

JGC Top Picks:

Charles Mingus, Mingus Dynasty, 1959

Oscar Peterson, Night Train, 1962

Paul Desmond, Like Someone In Love, 1975