Listening Blog: It Don't Mean a Thing by the Boswell Sisters
It Don't Mean a Thing by the Boswell Sisters was released in 1932 written by Mills Irving, and Duke Ellington. It is considered to be a jazz standard. Ella Fitzgerald was also one of the performers of this song. It was preformed by many others in the jazz industry through the years. At the beginning of the song it has a minor feel to it and then it switches to a double time feel. (Like in the song Paper Doll by the Mills Brothers). In this they sure are talking fast it almost could count as rap back in the day. (I'm kidding). I love the feel of this song. When it picks up their singing is very impressive and you finally see the swing part of the, "it don't mean a thing without that swing' of the song. The switch from a slower feel brings character and jive to the song. There is so much texture to this song. I really like this song and all of the different arrangements of it. I strongly recommend listening to this classic jazz standard.
Ive never listened to this song closely yet. but your description helps in figuring out the minor details that I missed. as well as excellent background knowledge on the particular genre of music and the particular history that goes along with said genre. Great post !!
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