sarah vaughan – in a sentimental mood

“In a Sentimental Mood” is a classic jazz standard that has been recorded by many artists, but one of its most iconic renditions is by Sarah Vaughan. Originally composed by Duke Ellington in 1935, the song has become a beloved piece in the jazz repertoire, known for its lush, romantic melody and wistful mood.

Sarah Vaughan’s Mastery of the Song

Sarah Vaughan, often referred to as “Sassy” for her dynamic vocal prowess, brought her unique interpretation to “In a Sentimental Mood.” Her version, recorded in 1949, is a mesmerizing blend of jazz and vocal artistry, which has become one of the most celebrated performances of the song.

What makes Vaughan’s version so special is her ability to infuse deep emotion and nuance into every note. Her voice, rich and full of warmth, effortlessly weaves through the song’s intimate lyrics, capturing the melancholy and yearning that the piece conveys. She uses subtle phrasing and delicate vocal ornamentation to convey the feeling of nostalgia and longing, transforming the song into a soulful and intimate experience.

The Song’s Arrangement

The original composition by Ellington is a beautiful, slow ballad with a simple yet elegant structure. Vaughan’s rendition, accompanied by a soft, swinging jazz piano, brings out the romanticism of the song, but her expressive delivery is what truly sets it apart. The light piano and subtle horn accompaniment provide a perfect backdrop for her voice, allowing her to float above the music and draw the listener into a quiet, reflective space.

The Emotional Impact

sarah vaughan - in a sentimental mood
sarah vaughan – in a sentimental mood

The lyrics of “In a Sentimental Mood” express a feeling of deep emotion and love, making it an ideal vehicle for Vaughan’s emotive voice. The song speaks of being swept up in the magic of a moment and the bittersweet feeling that comes with love and nostalgia:

“In a sentimental mood
I can see the stars come through,
And I feel the magic in the air…”

The combination of the melody, lyrics, and Vaughan’s vocal interpretation invites the listener to experience the depth of the emotion the song conveys.

Legacy of the Song

While “In a Sentimental Mood” was already a standard, Sarah Vaughan’s version helped to immortalize it in jazz vocal history. Her distinctive, rich voice and sophisticated phrasing made her one of the foremost interpreters of jazz, and this song is a perfect example of why she remains one of the genre’s most revered figures.

Her interpretation of “In a Sentimental Mood” continues to influence jazz vocalists to this day, standing as a definitive example of how a vocalist can bring new life to a classic standard.

Lyrics

 

In a sentimental moodI can see the stars come through my roomWhile your loving attitudeIs like a flame that lights the gloom
On the wings of every kissDrifts a melody so strange and sweetIn this sentimental blissYou make my paradiseYou make my paradise, paradise complete
Rose petals seem to fallIt’s all I could dream, to call you mine, to call you mineMy heart’s a lighter thingSince you made this night a thing divine
In a sentimental moodI’m within a world so heavenlyFor I never dreamt that you’d be loving sentimentalBe loving sentimental, sentimental me
Rose petals seem to fallIt’s all I like a dream to call you mine, to call you mineMy heart’s a lighter thingSince you made this night a thing divine
In a sentimental mood, sentimental moodI’m within a world so heavenlyFor I never dreamt that you’d be loving sentimentalSentimental, be loving sentimental me

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