Style:

Usually played swung, taken at many different tempos.

Form:

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

Key:

Commonly played in Bb Major.

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is very functional, taking place predominantly in the relative minor. The A sections begin on VImi and use a minor II - V to generate some motion to return back to VImi before  continuing with a II - V to IVMaj7. The B section begins with another minor II - V to VImi, although the following 4 bars tend to see a variety of interpretations. Simply put the harmony continues with a  minor II - V of III which deceptively resolves to a minor II - V of VI,  however tri-tone substitution is often used instead. The final C section  begins on #IVdim7 and continues to inch upwards with passing diminished chords before arriving at VImi. After a momentary stay on II7, a bVI7 - V7 finally resolves to the tonic to finish off the form.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 480 times to date. It was first introduced by Don Ameche and Janet Blair in the 1942 movie Something to Shout About, and the first studio recording would also come from the same year  courtesy of Dick Jurgens and his Orchestra. It has since been recorded  by countless jazz musicians and is one of the many Cole Porter compositions to find its place in the standard repertoire.

JGC Top Picks:

Art Pepper, Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section, 1957

Julie London, Julie...At Home, 1960

Lee Konitz, Motion, 1961