Mood Indigo

Al Cohn · Other Songs - Al Cohn

You ain't never been blue; no, no, no,

You ain't never been blue,

Till you've had that mood indigo.

That feelin' goes stealin' down to my shoes

While I just sit here and sigh, "Go 'long blues".

I always get that mood indigo,

Since my baby said goodbye.

And in the evenin' when the lights are low,

I'm so lonely I could cry.

'Cause there's nobody who cares about me,

I'm just a poor fool that's bluer than blue can be.

When I get that mood indigo,

I could lay me down and die.

You ain't never been blue; no, no, no,

You ain't never been blue,

Till you've had that mood indigo.

That feelin' goes stealin' down to my shoes

While I just sit here and sigh, "Go 'long blues".

Mood Indigo

Al Cohn's rendition of 'Mood Indigo' stands as a testament to his mastery of the tenor saxophone within the jazz tradition. Known for his warm, lyrical tone and impeccable phrasing, Cohn approached this classic composition with the sensitivity required for such a melancholic standard. The recording captures the essence of the song's slow, blues-inflected structure, allowing the melody to breathe while maintaining a sophisticated rhythmic drive. As a prominent figure in the swing and bebop eras, Cohn often selected material that highlighted his ability to convey deep emotion without excessive ornamentation. This performance remains a significant song in his discography, showcasing his interpretive skills on a piece that has defined the genre for decades. The track exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Great American Songbook when filtered through the lens of a master instrumentalist.