Great Players In The Mood, 1939

ESJohn · 2026-04-20T01:19:55+0100

Just sitting around doing not much of anything, so I wandered over to YouTube and researched the famous Glenn Miller tune of In The Mood. This version, which is claimed to be the original that was sold to him in June of 1939 by Joe Garland, takes several twists that I've not heard before. It is somewhat different and a bit longer in duration then the one the future Major Miller performed. Which one, if either, do you prefer?
Original:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6CGueXMlas

As performed in Sun Valley Serenade:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aME0qvhZ37o&list=RDaME0qvhZ37o&start_radio=1

skeller047 · 2026-04-20T02:42:01+0100

I am of course more familiar with the second version. AKA “In The Nude” AKA “In The Mud”…. Familiarity breeds contempt, after all.

Having said that I actually prefer the second version. I think its a more cohesive and exciting arrangement.

The history of this tune is is more complicated than that given in the first video. In the Mood - Wikipedia

Tuppertn · 2026-04-20T03:24:08+0100

Miller version is more dance-able. I think that was the point, anyway. The syncopation in the first version made it easier to lose the beat in places--especially that bit around 2:23 were they jump in early on the downbeat of 1. That's a bit goofy to try and dance to.

PigSquealer · 2026-04-20T09:35:21+0100

This first is good if you’re going to a BB concert. The second is definitely the party, the live band lets dance version.
I don’t care to dance to the dull vibe. I don’t like to sit when a band is playing Get up and dance.

PigSquealer · 2026-04-20T09:42:52+0100

skeller047 said:
The history of this tune is is more complicated than that given in the first video. In the Mood - Wikipedia

Thanks for adding the history. I would have never looked this up. Interesting on this being listed as “historically significant” at the Library of Congress.

MikeMorrell · 2026-04-20T13:22:40+0100

Completely OT, but when I moved from the UK to NL some 45 years ago, I was still an 'amateur guitarist' and I was curious about Dutch guitarists. One name stood out: Harry Sacksioni. I bought a couple of his 'guitar books' but lost touch with his recordings and performances. Purely by coincidence, I recently discovered his arrangement of 'In the Mood' (aged 80) on social media.