Composer

:

Douglas Furber

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

3:50

"Limehouse Blues" is a popular jazz standard composed by Douglas Furber with music by Philip Braham. The song was written in 1922 and premiered in the West End musical revue "A to Z" on June 22, 1923. The song became an instant hit and has since been covered by numerous artists. The song is composed of three movements, with the first and third being in a minor key and the second in a major key. The first movement is slow and melancholic, with a haunting melody that sets the mood for the rest of the song. The second movement is more upbeat and lively, with a swinging rhythm that is perfect for dancing. The third movement returns to the melancholic melody of the first, bringing the song to a somber close. The lyrics of "Limehouse Blues" tell the story of a man who has lost his love and is now wandering the streets of Limehouse, a district in London known for its opium dens and seedy nightlife. The song captures the mood of the time, when many people were struggling to make ends meet and turning to drugs and alcohol to escape their problems. One of the most distinctive characteristics of "Limehouse Blues" is its use of chromaticism, which gives the melody a sense of tension and unease. The song also features a number of unusual chord progressions and unexpected key changes, which add to its unique sound. Over the years, "Limehouse Blues" has been covered by a wide range of artists, including Django Reinhardt, Benny Goodman, and Charlie Parker. The song has also been featured in a number of films, including the 1934 movie "Limehouse Blues" and the 1984 film "The Cotton Club." Overall, "Limehouse Blues" is a classic jazz standard that captures the mood of a bygone era. Its haunting melody and unique chord progressions have made it a favorite of jazz musicians and fans alike, and it continues to be performed and recorded to this day.

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