"In a Sentimental Mood" is a classic jazz ballad composed by Duke Ellington in 1935, with lyrics by Manny Kurtz and Irving Mills. The song has become a jazz standard, beloved for its evocative melody and sophisticated harmony12. Sonny Rollins, one of jazz’s greatest tenor saxophonists, recorded a notable version with the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1953, which was released on the album Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet (Prestige, 1956)5.
Recording and Personnel
- Recording Date: October 7, 1953
- Album: Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet
- Personnel:
- Sonny Rollins – tenor saxophone
- Milt Jackson – vibraphone
- John Lewis – piano
- Percy Heath – bass
- Kenny Clarke – drums5
Musical Interpretation
Rollins’ take on "In a Sentimental Mood" is a concise, lyrical reading (approx. 3:20 minutes), highlighting his warm, expressive tenor saxophone tone. The Modern Jazz Quartet’s accompaniment—vibraphone, piano, bass, and drums—provides a sophisticated, understated backdrop that complements Rollins’ melodic sensibility. The arrangement preserves the ballad’s romantic, wistful atmosphere, with Rollins delivering the melody with both tenderness and subtle improvisational flourishes5.
Song Structure and Harmony
The composition follows an AABA form and is harmonically rich, featuring a series of modulations and coloristic chord extensions that give the melody its distinctive, dreamy quality12. The interplay between Rollins and the MJQ is elegant and restrained, emphasizing mood and lyricism over technical fireworks.
Legacy and Reception
- Rollins’ version is part of a tradition of great jazz interpretations of this Ellington classic, standing alongside recordings by Ellington himself, John Coltrane, and others12.
- The track is often praised for its emotional depth and the seamless blend between Rollins’ robust saxophone and the Modern Jazz Quartet’s refined sound.
- The album Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet is considered a vital early document of Rollins’ artistry and a showcase for his ability to bring fresh perspective to standards5.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Composer | Duke Ellington (music), Manny Kurtz & Irving Mills (lyrics) |
| First Rollins Recording | October 7, 1953 |
| Album | Sonny Rollins with the Modern Jazz Quartet (Prestige, 1956) |
| Personnel | Rollins (ts), Jackson (vibes), Lewis (p), Heath (b), Clarke (d) |
| Style | Ballad, lyrical, understated, classic jazz standard |
| Legacy | Early Rollins classic, admired for melodic beauty and restraint |
Summary
Sonny Rollins’ "In a Sentimental Mood" with the Modern Jazz Quartet is a beautifully restrained and lyrical interpretation of Ellington’s timeless ballad. Rollins’ expressive tenor saxophone, paired with the MJQ’s elegant accompaniment, delivers a version that is both emotionally rich and musically sophisticated—a highlight in the history of jazz standards5.
