This is a nice birthday tribute Tatia, and I would like to extend my best birthday wishes to Earle as well. I picked up the Film Score Monthly I Spy music compilation quite a while ago and I listen to it often. I’m listening to it right now, just to set the proper mood.
Earle wrote a tune called Harlem Nocturne in 1940 which is one of those tunes that everyone has in their head, even if they don’t know the name of it. It’s probably been covered hundreds of times in all sorts of styles. It may not be in “Yesterday” territory, but it can’t be too far behind. I found what I think must be a very incomplete list
http://www.spaceagepop.com/harlem.htm
There are several versions of Harlem Nocturne on YouTube. Here are two.
Ray Anthony:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-2MPKDR4VU
Zydeco Annie and the Swamp Cats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMyT7jCQfk4
I spent a few minutes cruising Amazon.com and found audio links to a few very different recordings of Harlem Nocturne currently in print.
Susan Nigro:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000003J3W001016/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_016/102-4840771-0086551
Kofi:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B0000010I3001010/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_010/102-4840771-0086551
Edgar Winter:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B00000K3KC001009/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_009/102-4840771-0086551
Bonnie Bramlett:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/music/wma-pop-up/B000EBGFKO001012/ref=mu_sam_wma_001_012/102-4840771-0086551
I guess I can stop there. Clearly the tune lends itself to a wide range of interpretation. Somewhere out there someone has recorded it on glockenspiel, water harp and hand saw. There must be some satisfaction in knowing that one of your compositions has entered the human subconsciousness, even if people sometimes play it on solo bassoon.
Jimmy
