Glenn Miller: Bluebirds in the Moonlight
Track
Bluebirds in the Moonlight
Artist
Glenn Miller (trombone)
CD
The Popular Recordings 1938-1942 (Bluebird/RCA 9785-2-RB)
Musicians:
Glenn Miller (trombone), Paul Tanner (trombone), Hal McIntyre (alto sax), Tex Beneke (tenor sax), Al Klink (tenor sax),
Marion Hutton (vocals), Leigh Knowles, Clyde Hurley, Dale “Mickey” McMickle, John Best (trumpet); Al Mastren, Tommy Mack (trombone); Wilbur Schwartz (clarinet, alto sax), Jimmy Abato (alto sax, baritone sax); Chummy MacGregor (piano), Dick Fisher (guitar), Rollie Bundock (bass), Maurice Purtill (drums)
.Composed by Ralph Rainger & Leo Robin. Arranged by Benny Carter
.Recorded: New York, October 9, 1939
Rating: 85/100 (learn more)
Although "Bluebirds in the Moonlight" scoffs at its own title as a silly idea, some bluebirds are early risers, singing a predawn moonlight serenade. What is silly, though, is that five weeks after Nazi Germany started World War II, Americans were (judging from this recording) going about their daily lives as if nothing had changed. This track isn't great jazz, but it's a revealing snapshot. The boogie-woogie piano intro, sweet sax section, punctuating trombones, rousing trumpets and winsome female songbird trilling empty-headed lyrics to a cheerful tune at an agreeable tempo—this innocent formula was so appealing it carried us to Hiroshima in the daylight.
Reviewer: Alan Kurtz
Tags: big band
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