Azure

Duke Ellington

About Azure

"Azure" is a 1937 song composed by Duke Ellington with lyrics by Irving Mills. The composition is an example of Ellington's early use of bi- and polytonality, and some parts of it are almost atonal in nature.


Year:
2000
68 
#3

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Driftin' Dreamin'
In an Azure mood,
Stardust gleamin' 
Thru my solitude:
Here in my seclusion, 
You're a blue illusion 
While I'm in this Azure interlude.
I'm not wanted I'm so all alone;
Always haunted
By the dreams I own;
But, though Im tormented
I must be contented 
Driftin' Dreamin' 
In an Azure mood!
Driftin' Dreamin'
In an Azure mood,
Star dust gleamin'
Thru my solitude:
Here in my seclusion, 
You're a blue illusion
While I'm in this Azure interlude!

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Duke Ellington

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an American composer, pianist, and big-band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions. In the opinion of Bob Blumenthal of The Boston Globe, "[i]n the century since his birth, there has been no greater composer, American or otherwise, than Edward Kennedy Ellington." A major figure in the history of jazz, Ellington's music stretched into various other genres, including blues, gospel, film scores, popular, and classical. His career spanned more than 50 years and included leading his orchestra, composing an inexhaustible songbook, scoring for movies, composing stage musicals, and world tours. Several of his instrumental works were adapted into songs that became standards. Due to his invent… more »

5 fans

Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Historical Significance
"Azure" is a jazz standard that was composed by the highly acclaimed American composer and pianist, Duke Ellington.
Release Details
The song was first recorded and released by the Duke Ellington Orchestra in 1937. It has since been re-recorded by numerous artists.
Lyrical Insight
Irving Mills, a longtime collaborator of Duke Ellington, wrote the lyrics for "Azure". This reflects Ellington's ability to choose collaborators who contribute to his music's unique voice and tone.
Music Style
The song is considered a classic in the genre of big band jazz and exhibits Duke Ellington's signature complex harmonies and sophisticated arrangement.
Replay Value
Despite being written over 80 years ago, the song remains a popular piece in contemporary jazz cultures and is frequently played in jazz clubs, events, and on various media platforms.
Cover Versions
"Azure" has been covered by several notable jazz musicians, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett, demonstrating the song's enduring legacy and influence in the jazz world.
Instrumentation
Like much of Ellington's work, "Azure" features a large ensemble of instruments, including a brass section, woodwinds, and a rhythm section, showcasing his ability to manage and compose intricate music pieces for large bands.
Song Legacy
The rich, melancholy tones and smooth rhythm of "Azure" represents one of Ellington's more contemplative and introspective works, showcasing his unparalleled ability to evoke emotions in listeners.
Recording Impact
The original recording of "Azure" stands as a testament to the Duke Ellington Orchestra's skill and tightness, due to the song's nuanced scores and expressive solos which requires a high level of musical proficiency.
Jazz Education
"Azure" is used as a resource in many jazz education programs due to its complex structure, harmonies, and chord progressions, which are characteristic of Duke Ellington's music.

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    "Azure Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5047552/Duke+Ellington/Azure>.

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