Duke Ellington: It Dont Mean a Thing (If It Aint Got That Swing)

As Gunther Schuller points out in The Swing Era, the composer of this song that named its era was hardly dogmatic about it, writing many meaningful pieces that didn't involve swing. This one, though, lives up to its title, with unforgettable turns by plunger specialist Tricky Sam, a surprisingly chromatic Hodges (sounding at times like Eric Dolphy's granddaddy), and the delightful Ivie Anderson, who from her opening "What tattoo?" to a hint of alley-cat lechery near the end generates irresistible . . . well, swing. "Just keep that rhythm," Ivie advises, practicing what she preaches. "Give it everything you've got." Now that's philosophy!