"In a Sentimental Mood" is a timeless jazz ballad composed by Duke Ellington in 1935. The most celebrated version is the collaboration between Ellington and legendary saxophonist John Coltrane, recorded in 1962 and released on their joint album Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (1963). This recording is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and influential interpretations in jazz history1.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Composer | Duke Ellington |
| Lyricists | Irving Mills, Manny Kurtz |
| First Recorded | 1935 (Ellington and His Orchestra) |
| Famous Version | Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (1962) |
| Album | Duke Ellington & John Coltrane (1963) |
| Genre | Jazz, Ballad |
| Key (Coltrane version) | D-flat major |
| Form | 32-bar AABA |
| Personnel | Duke Ellington (piano), John Coltrane (tenor sax), Aaron Bell (bass), Elvin Jones (drums) |
Historical Context
- Origin: Ellington wrote "In a Sentimental Mood" in Durham, North Carolina, reportedly improvising the melody at a party to calm a tense situation. The original 1935 recording featured Ellington's orchestra and became a jazz standard1.
- Lyrics: While the song is often performed instrumentally, lyrics were later added by Irving Mills and Manny Kurtz1.
- Legacy: The composition has been recorded by hundreds of artists, but the Ellington-Coltrane rendition is especially revered for its lyrical beauty and emotional depth.
The 1962 Recording
- Collaboration: The session brought together Ellington, a pioneer of big band jazz, and Coltrane, a leading figure in modern jazz and modal improvisation. Their interplay is marked by Ellington’s elegant, understated piano and Coltrane’s rich, expressive saxophone tone.
- Arrangement: Unlike the original F major key, the 1962 version is performed in D-flat major, lending a lush, intimate sound. The arrangement highlights Coltrane’s melodic phrasing and Ellington’s harmonic sophistication1.
- Musical Structure: The piece follows a classic 32-bar AABA form, with the melody moving from a minor tonality to a major resolution in the A sections, and a harmonically rich bridge1.
Musical and Emotional Qualities
- Mood: The performance is noted for its warmth, lyricism, and subtle interplay between piano and saxophone. The tempo is slow and reflective, emphasizing the song’s sentimental character.
- Technique: The introduction features Ellington’s distinctive voicings, while Coltrane’s solo is celebrated for its melodic inventiveness and emotional restraint.
Enduring Influence
- Critical Acclaim: The Ellington-Coltrane version is often cited as a definitive jazz ballad, praised for its beauty and the seamless blend of two jazz giants’ styles.
- Cultural Presence: The recording has appeared in numerous films, television shows, and compilations, and remains a favorite among jazz musicians and listeners alike.
Notable Facts
- The original 1935 recording reached #14 on the charts and remained popular for weeks6.
- The 1962 session also featured Aaron Bell (bass) and Elvin Jones (drums), both highly respected jazz musicians.
- The song’s melody is sometimes noted for its resemblance to Gershwin’s "Someone to Watch Over Me"1.
In summary:
The Ellington-Coltrane recording of "In a Sentimental Mood" stands as a masterpiece of jazz, blending the elegance of Ellington’s composition with the soulful expressiveness of Coltrane’s saxophone. It remains a touchstone for jazz balladry and a testament to the power of musical collaboration1.
