One of those tunes that has stood the test of time. I can't think of anyone who hasn't heard In The Mood at some time or other, even today's non-dance band fans must have heard it ! The most famous version, undoubtedly, is the Glenn Miller version, and even Jive Bunny had a hit with it in the 1980's, but let's take a listen to three other versions which you may never have heard. These three versions here, show just how well-travelled the tune was, and still is.
Firstly, we take a visit to post-war Poland. This version was recorded in 1947, but to me, it sounds like it was recorded in the 30's. Nice wobbly sax solos, too !
Secondly, we venture to wartime Switzerland, where Teddy Stauffer & His Original Teddies were playing and recording at The Palace-Hotel in St. Moritz, after leaving Berlin for obvious reasons. This version was recorded in 1940.
Thirdly, we arrive back to wartime England, with Joe Loss & His Band on the 18th January, 1940. Joe Loss once said that he was playing In The Mood on the radio before Glenn Miller had even recorded it. Loss was a key figure in keeping this tune so well known all over the world, as he must have played it hundreds of times, and recorded it dozens of times right up until shortly before his death in 1990. This version heard here, was his very first recording of it.
