Music Diary Songs of Note: In a Sentimental Mood

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Have you ever just had a song come on and you and your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend/significant other just start dancing? Last night the song Skywriting by a never popular British group ‘The Bible’ came on my wife’s iPod, and we had a nice little dance … to the amusement and embarrassment of our kids.

I makes me think back to one of my favorite moments from The Cosby Show – at the end of an episode, Cliff drops a record on the turntable (look it up, kiddies), and on comes a gorgeous song and then he and Claire begin playful snuggling and snacking as the music plays in the background. That song is In A Sentimental Mood, from Duke Ellington & John Coltrane.

Here is a great clip from The Cosby Show that starts in the middle of where the song was used:

I distinctly remember seeing that episode when it aired. When the needle touched vinyl (such primitive technology was unremarkable back then), I immediately recognized Duke Ellington’s deft touch and idiosyncratic phrasing … but a few seconds later I was met with the unmistakable sound of John Coltrane’s saxophone. While I was fans of both artists, I didn’t even realize they had done a collaboration (the days before widespread usage of the internet, y’know).

So that weekend I headed to the local record store and grabbed the album … and of course grabbed the CD when it was remastered. It is a great recording of two of the giants of 20th century music at different points in their career (Duke was 63 and a living legend, Coltrane was 36 and only starting to produce his greatest works).

Here is the classic original (no footage exists, unfortunately):

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About the Author

Michael Anderson
I have loved technology for as long as I can remember - and have been a computer gamer since the PDP-10! Mobile Technology has played a major role in my life - I have used an electronic companion since the HP95LX more than 20 years ago, and have been a 'Laptop First' person since my Compaq LTE Lite 3/20 and Powerbook 170 back in 1991! As an avid gamer and gadget-junkie I was constantly asked for my opinions on new technology, which led to writing small blurbs ... and eventually becoming a reviewer many years ago. My family is my biggest priority in life, and they alternate between loving and tolerating my gaming and gadget hobbies ... but ultimately benefits from the addition of technology to our lives!