The overwhelming emotions that the end of a year and the beginning of a new one bring, definitely need a banger. And though this one goes back about six decades, it sets the tone for what will be your 2019 - loud and chaotic yet melodic and beautiful with equal parts of highs and lows.
The composition Jeep's Blues has quite a history. Composed by Johnny (Jeep) Hodges its best-remembered version was the one recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1956 as performed by Duke Ellington and his band. The big band format of the composition relies almost entirely on improvisation. There are six choruses: two include the entire ensemble, two include the sax section alone while the remaining two are solos. What I admire about this track is its calculated composition that at the same time, adheres to and obeys the improvisational characteristics of jazz. Goes lengths to show that there is discipline in everything. What I love most about this track is its big band opening that hits you (and your ears) like a melodic cacophony while the track ends in a slower, and perhaps introspective manner. The contrast is telling of human nature as well.. the beginning of the year is a time for promises and fresh decisions after which we mess up and make mistakes, things we come to introspect at the end of the year, every year.
So, with that, I leave you with Jeep's Blues. Here's hoping you have a loud and introspective 2019.
You can learn more about Duke Ellington here:
About the curator - Aarushi Aggarwal
Aarushi is a senior at college and is majoring in history and international relations. Her music library is as much home to jazz as it is to Indian classical. Her passion for discovering new music far supersedes other equally important things like finishing assignments on time. She loves dogs, coffee and chocolate.
