Mood Indigo

:This article describes the jazz composition; for its use as an English title of a Boris Vian novel, see L'Écume des Jours.

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Mood Indigo is a classic jazz composition and song, with words and music by Duke Ellington, Barney Bigard, and Irving Mills.

Related Topics:
Mood Indigo - Jazz - Song - Duke Ellington - Barney Bigard - Irving Mills

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The main theme was provided by Bigard, who learned it in New Orleans from his clarinet teacher Lorenzo Tio, who called it a "Mexican Blues". Ellington's distinctive arrangement was first recorded by his band for Okeh Records in on 30 October, 1930.

Related Topics:
New Orleans - Clarinet - Lorenzo Tio - Okeh Records - 30 October - 1930

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According to Amanda Wilde on KUOW, Duke once said he composed this song in 15 minutes, while he was waiting for his mother to finish dinner.

Related Topics:
Amanda Wilde - KUOW

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The tune has become a jazz standard.

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"Mood Indigo" is at least as often performed as an instrumental as a song, and is often also done mostly featuring the instruments with a short vocal chorus. The number has enjoyed success and many recordings all three ways.

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