It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't got that Swing!)

michaeljayklein

Genre: Swing

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Description

It suddenly dawned on my last night that with today, I've been at Macjams for three years (I notice I joined on Friday the 13th!) This song has always been my favorite and I ran home from work tonight, threw my coat on my dog Farina to keep his dog tags from jangling and came up with this deal--the mix is not very good but I'm kind of cramped for time (Routine #52 folks).

Thanks so very, very much for your support over the years; you know, it's the songs I sing and the writers that wrote them that are important to me more than anything else, and it delights me to no end to find many of you can still enjoy these great old tunes from The Dark Ages!

Take good care now!

Michael

Written by Duke Ellington (1928)

My conductor and arranger on this one: Mr. Alan McPike
Vocal: The Velvet Smog

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Song Stats

Hits: 1006
Comments: 66
Fans: 40
Plays: 103
Downloads: 41

Uploaded: Feb 13, 2012 - 06:42:42 PM
Last Updated: Feb 14, 2012 - 09:58:12 AM Last Played: May 30, 2013 - 11:14:35 AM

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Comments

Philip18	Philip18 said 492 days ago (February 13th, 2012)
	Swing Great tune isn't it?! Full of joy - the arrangement has lots of life and bounce. Fred and Ginger should be skipping across the dance floor in front of you as you sing this one! Delightful, Michael. Check out my latest song called Coming Home (MJCC2013)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Thanks so very much Philip! I neglected to say "thank you" to you and many others for the wonderful music I've sat and listened to these past three years. Much appreciated hearing from you! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

rsolorio	rsolorio said 492 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Smashing Will have to play this again and grab the wife for some rug cutting. Awesome. Check out my latest song called Slight Moves

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Thank you sir! Yeah, this song has a way of hypnotizing the feet into doing things! I'm really happy you liked it and thanks so very much for coming by. You take good care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Narad	Narad said 492 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	It Don't Mean a Thing Happy birthday Michael in macjams ! You enlighten not only the dark ages with your boosted and refreshed songs, but also this musician membership. Thanks for being here ! P.S. When I see my uncle's user photo, it must be noted that he is growing younger and younger. How does he do it ? :) Check out my latest song called Four to Paradise

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)

Nephew
Thanks kindly my good friend--sometimes I wonder how they've put up with me this long! You are always a ray of sunshine Harald and I'm equally happy that you are with us too--thanks for everything! Uncle (PS: As for continually growing younger, it's because I've discovered the fabled "Fountain of Perpetual Middle Age"! I was 8 in that picture I think--there's a portrait of my mother on the wall behind me--I don't think her eyes were THAT dark however!)

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

TvRicky

TvRicky said 492 days ago (February 14th, 2012)

Happy MacJams Birthday Mr. Entertainer
I am always delighted and amazed at the true and great talent you posses my friend. I know many of us compliment you on your voice and it may seem flattering to you..but there really are no words to express the feelings felt when listening to your 'Life" emitting such genuine and evoking vocals. Production Excellence even on the 'fly'

A SincerelyZipped, TvRicky

Check out my latest song called 'Save The Children'

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)

Ricky
I think like everyone, I attempt to do the best (or at least the second best!) I can do. I hope this year to study with a vocal teacher who is more fluent in jazz and possibly widen my scope a little--should be exciting and I love learning new things. It's the kind encouragement of folks like yourself that keep me striving to do better, so thank you very much for that! I'm glad you liked this wonderful Duke Ellington song (Ellington is up there with my short list of musical idols) and I'm very obliged to hear from you Ricky--thanks again! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

CIASM_ZENABI_	CIASM_ZENABI_ said 492 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	duke of ellington nailed a cool tune. and this is very well played. cheers graham Check out my latest song called GLOWING IN THE DARK (2012 REMIX)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Mr. Ellington I know he'd be pleased that even in the 21st Century, people are greatly enjoying his work and I thank you very much for your warm reception Graham--you take care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

DWL	DWL said 492 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	One of my favourites and you don't disappoint! Nice bit of scat and wonderful vocals. Thanks being around and giving me fixes of some of my favourite music. Cheers Dick Dick Check out my latest song called Not For The Likes of You

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Dick Dick I landed a bit too early with the last note at the end, so if anyone noticed it, I'll blame it all on Alan. But all seriousness aside, as always mate, I've deeply appreciated hearing from you (both in your music and kind remarks about my stuff)--thanks again Dick! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

magnatone	magnatone said 492 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Don't Mean A Thing what a great MJ anniversary offering! when i saw the title i knew there'd be some awesome scat in here and you exceeded my expectations (as usual). love this song, love your voice singing it - love you! Check out my latest song called Wave Goodbye

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)

Thanks Karen!
Oh, the kind of scat I do is basically early 30s, the kind the Mills Brothers and Bing were doing back then. As I mentioned to Ricky here, I'm going to start working with a jazz oriented vocal teacher this spring and I truly HOPE I can learn some of the more "sophisticated" style of scat--I'm a slow learner so it may take until June, 2021, but I'll get it! Your generous and kind support, both for my singing, my playing and the songs I perform has been and is greatly appreciated Karen. You are a great musician and that means volumes to me. Thanks again and take good care now! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

alackbass	alackbass said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	It Don't Mean a Thing (If it Ain't got that Swing!) Awesome. I use this song to teach my students about the ing sound! I wonder if that's what Duke had in mind? Great arrangement and you scat with the best of them. Check out my latest song called Close to the Bone by Jerry Quinn

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Andrew This is a good tune for the "ing" sound but ever better (in my limited estimation) is "Zing Went the Strings of My Heart"! Thanks again Andrew for stopping by and leaving some very nice remarks about this thing--you take care now and hope to hear something by you soon! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Bob Rodgers	Bob Rodgers said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	A real fav this one and a great version Michael. Congrats on your three year anniversary! Bob Check out my latest song called We Can't Let It Go

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)

Bob
You know, you are one of the nicest guys Bob--and I know that you are loved not only by me but by many others here. I'm really elated that this is one of your favorites--it's one of mine too, and of course, I'm very obliged just to hear from you. Thanks again Bob and you take good care now! Michael (if I'm rambling here, it's because I'm on a project at work the past month that is immobilizing my brain and slowing my thought processes down to the speed of Raymond Burr on his honeymoon--I think that's an adequate assessment!)

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

richard13	richard13 said 491 days ago (February 14th, 2012)
	Happy anniversary Michael Do wah, do wah, do wah! Check out my latest song called Caledonia

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Thanks again Richard! Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Saltaireguru77	Saltaireguru77 said 491 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Swinging stuff Ice cool and smoking hot at the same time, if that's even possible! That scat singing could only be done by your good self and would quite frankly be embarrassing if I'd tried it. Congrats on your three years here - the tip top club's loss is our gain! Routine 901 - knocked out of the park! Check out my latest song called Slo-Parts Boogie (w GuyGrooves)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)

Esteban
Ice cool, smoking hot--sounds like the physical condition I was in when I did this (I was truly zonked Stephen--everybody thinks I'm wide awake and peppy on my stuff and often it's the other way around--I just force it out!) Oh, that reminds me, I'll be opening the Club Tip Top in May--after that, it's off to Vito's Knuckle Room in Shibboleth, Missouri for 3 solid weeks! There is nothing routine about you Stephen--thanks so very much for the solid support and friendship over the years. You take good care now and hope things are going well for ya across the pond dere! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Jarvoid

Jarvoid said 491 days ago (February 15th, 2012)

Don't mean a ding
if it aint got swing....that's so true...brilliant rendition,,,a cracking song classically delivered...congrats to Mr McPike,and the feller who done the singing,he's good as well.But moastly Mr McPike cos he has to swing that stick thing and make the feller sing on time and in tune and the words and everything and it's a real strain.........

Ouch....stop hit-hitting me,you......

CJ

PS Three years congrats and stick wid it...you knows we needs the good stuff....

Check out my latest song called laundromat blues

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)

Dr. Jarvoid
Oh, I've sent him running to his therapist many a time now Chris, so glad you took note of his hard work! You have been nothing less than a constant joy to me here at Macjams--don't ever change, and thanks many times over for lending your ear and encouragement to me this many months now. Take good care and keep that mandolin happy (PS: I'm getting a ukulele myself--should be coming in the post any day now--so beware!) Best wishes, Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Moviz	Moviz said 491 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Your presence here has been a great experience to us all here Michael, both for your wonderful renditions and for your humour.... you have personality in buckets. Happy anniversary, and thank you once again for bringing another touch of class via this song, regards M Check out my latest song called He's The Jazzman

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	One Moe Time! You know how much I admire you and your work, so thanks for those very generous and kind words Maurice--it's always great to hear from you! Take good care now and here's to the next three years (for us both!) Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Bowman	Bowman said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	They keep coming and they're just great. You certainly do know how to entertain us Michael and your selection of material is peerless. Another gem my friend. Cheers, Charlie Check out my latest song called RADIANT FLESH (take 2)

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Charlie Glad you liked this song--you are much to kind, but keep giving it out just the same, I certainly don't mind! :) Thanks again for coming by and keep up the exemplary (been wanting to use that word since 2009) work here! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Symphony101	Symphony101 said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Happy Jammiversary Mine was on Feb 12th :-) 2 years. Thank YOU for being here Michael, you see, Fri 13th can bring good things too :-) Check out my latest song called The Wish Granter

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)

Yves
Not only Friday the 13th, but it says I joined at something like 4:05 in the morning! I'm wondering now just what the hell I was doing being up then! Yves, I owe you many things for your great friendship, the presence you make here with your music and assistance to others and of course, for the many pats on the head you've given me. You are also a real gentleman--a rare commodity these days and I respect you for that as well. You take good care and hoping things and life on your end are going well! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

RochaMalhada	RochaMalhada said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Happy Anniversary Michael, we've enjoyed your sweet or hot music for all this time - thanks for being here, and being you. . - Harold Check out my latest song called Ascent of a Tree (w Mike_D & FEEL)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)

Harold
Thanks partner, and hope next time you're up my way or I'm down your way we can spend a little more time than 90 minutes together--it was great meeting you and I'll never forget my excitement of actually MEETING somebody from the site (a first for me) and happy it was you. Much appreciated hearing from ya and you take good care now--hope things are going okay by the way! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

ShadowofNine	ShadowofNine said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Swing Definitely swings Michael, excellent... Check out my latest song called Theres a Prog in my Soup

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 490 days ago (February 15th, 2012)
	Dave Baby! Of course, we go back further than just a few years and you've always been a good friend. Thanks for stopping by to check this thing out and for the solid boost you always give me. Keep up the great work and hope you are doing well Dave! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

PeterB7858	PeterB7858 said 490 days ago (February 16th, 2012)
	Hip Hooray... Smiled as soon as I saw the graphic. Happy third anniversary too, Michael. Ah the Duke knew how to get people up on the floor. Nice scatting. Good song to post on your MJ birthday. Thank you for all the great music and your strong support. Take care, Peter. Check out my latest song called Sailor's Warning w jiguma, Philip18

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 489 days ago (February 16th, 2012)

Hey there ace...
...thanks for stopping in Peter! Yeah, Ellington indeed had a real passion for rhythms and he used so many inventive ones it's no wonder his was probably my favorite band from the swing era (and before and after that period too). Thanks once more for your listening and for your encouragement mate--you take care now! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

neilh79	neilh79 said 490 days ago (February 16th, 2012)
	It don't mean a thing Really professional track. Not heard this song before but it is an instant hit with me great job again! Check out my latest song called Resurrection of Life Final Mix! (w/ Loob, Rok41, Symphony101, Gadzooks)

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 489 days ago (February 16th, 2012)

Neil
Glad you enjoyed this great song from the Duke Neil--it think, along with "In the Mood", "Sing, Sing, Sing", this composition rather embodies what they called The Swing Era. Thanks again my friend! I'm getting a ukulele in the post any day now and perhaps once I get the feel of thing, we could work on something--that might be a lot of fun! You take care now and hope things are going A-OK on your end Neil--Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Loob	Loob said 490 days ago (February 16th, 2012)
	Just too smooth with this groove! Always a pleasure to listen to your work Michael! Thanks for sharing this with us! Wish I had your voice man! Check out my latest song called Under The Weather

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 489 days ago (February 16th, 2012)
	Thanks Freddy! Truth is, I wish I could play the drums (I LOVE the drums!), especially as well as you and our friend Scott play them! Really glad you liked this song and much obliged for the supportive remarks on this deal! Take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Keedee	Keedee said 489 days ago (February 17th, 2012)
	Weeeeeeeeeeee........ It's my extreme pleasure to drop in and listen to someone with your level of talent WOW the masses! This was just Out Of This World!! I've got a swing but somehow, I don't think it's really what you mean:

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 487 days ago (February 18th, 2012)

Bapsie!
Well, what's on that swing doesn't look particularly enthralling either, even from this distance (whew--those legs!) I think I had one of those deals when I was a baby--I don't remember the equipment really, but I have this vague memory of being slightly magically weightless when my brain was about 2 ounces in size. Thanks as always for making me smile--you are a very first rate singer and I always feel honored. You take good care now Lyn!! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

woofer3	woofer3 said 489 days ago (February 17th, 2012)
	great as usual Love your treatment of this, I have a version of this by Doctor John as well which is quite unusual. Check out my latest song called burning hitler

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 487 days ago (February 19th, 2012)
	Thanks a lot! Yes, this song has seen some serious mileage over the years--great to hear from ya! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

dave_b	dave_b said 489 days ago (February 17th, 2012)
	It Don't Mean a Thing I always liked this song and your version is excellent! I like the scatting especially. Check out my latest song called Llarions Blues

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 487 days ago (February 19th, 2012)
	Hey Dave! Of all the people here, you are so very supportive of so many, even though we hear your sounds all too rarely. I can't thank you enough for that (about the support, not about posting so rarely--thought I'd clarify dat to avoid an international incident here!) Thanks again--and take good care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

lholden	lholden said 488 days ago (February 17th, 2012)
	swing This is such a great one...toe tappin! Thanks for sharing:) Check out my latest song called If Only We Could

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)
	Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed this tune! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

alfredthepelican	alfredthepelican said 488 days ago (February 18th, 2012)
	Hi Michael Happy anniversary- great track loved the vocal scat (like every one else) and thanks for being supporting in taking then time to come and listen and say something thoughtful but positive (and I'm sure I speak for a lot of others in saying that!) cheers Mark Check out my latest song called Now Is The Hour Late

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)
	Hi Mark Well, thanks so very much sir--and it's been great hearing your work here once again (been a while!) I so very much appreciated hearing from you--thanks for the kind words! You take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Mosaica	Mosaica said 487 days ago (February 18th, 2012)
	It means everything... ...to have a good swing and a good swinger, or even singer! Loved the scat, sounds like you had real fun recording this, and what an excellent music track too - the whole package is happy and bright. Check out my latest song called Stride La Vampa

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)
	Thanks so very much! I really appreciated your taking the time to listen--and of course, for those awfully kind works--thank you so much and take good care now! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

gadzooks	gadzooks said 487 days ago (February 18th, 2012)
	It Don't Mean a Thing Hey Michael! I've been away from MJ's for a bit and I came back to this amazing jazzy swinging' tune with your magic vox that brings this tune to life. The mix sounds great and it's a pleasure to hear you again. Congratulation on 3 years at MJ's. Cheers SG Check out my latest song called Coulda Shoulda

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)

Hey Stan!
Welcome back! I've been working my ($&#&@ off too the past few weeks so not here as much as I'd like too, so glad we could meet up again! As usual, your most generous words and kindness regarding my stuff--it is so very much appreciated and means a great deal to me, you most talented person you! Thanks again Stan--you take good care now, Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

kassia	kassia said 486 days ago (February 19th, 2012)
	wow Michael a classic given a breath of fresh air by you and that velvet smog. you KILLED this one! happy macjammiversary! Check out my latest song called Greensleeves

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)
	Kassia Hey--thank you so very much! I am very much obliged and glad to hear from ya! You take care now, Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

Leon	Leon said 486 days ago (February 19th, 2012)
	It got me tapping my feet... and wanting to swing. Wow, man, this is really great. Every song you've posted is really very polished and pro-quality. Your voice is great as ever. Overall, really cool and mesmerizingly good! Check out my latest song called Just Another Day

michaeljayklein	michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)
	Leon Coming from a topflight vocalist like yourself, I am flattered beyond repair! Thank you so very much Leon! Take care now and hope your week's off to a good start! Michael Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

composerclark

composerclark said 486 days ago (February 20th, 2012)

It don't mean a thing
This is one of my favourites too, so I was glad to hear your version of it. You certainly do it justice... You sing this with the right attitude, and yes, it swings. Fantastic job.

One teeny nit-picky suggestion: The added sibilance to the "T" at the end of "hot" and "got" seemed out of place to me... probably because I am an old stick in the mud! As I say, a very minor point, and please disregard it if you like those spots!

Wonderful performance, as always!

Check out my latest song called Momma's Song

michaeljayklein

michaeljayklein said 485 days ago (February 20th, 2012)

Thanks Clarke
You are far too kind--thanks so very much for the nice review on this deal! I probably over enunciated the hard "T" a bit too much on those words (in fact I know I did that) but my main problem lately is my new headphones--they are supposed to be good ones, but I've not quite been able to mix on them to my satisfaction (the regular speakers don't pick up much of that kind of thing), but you did catch it, which means you really were listening--and that means a whole lot to me Clarke! Thanks again and you take good care now! Michael

Check out my latest song called Old Man Mose is Dead

FEEL	FEEL said 481 days ago (February 25th, 2012)
	Congrats on the anniversary. This sounds like one of your favorites. You sound natural to the song. nice mix and easy on the ears. I need to do that on my final bounces. Check out my latest song called Freedom Rings (MJCC2013)

KCsGROOVE

KCsGROOVE said 477 days ago (February 28th, 2012)

Swing
Dang, missed this one, Michael
First of all, my congratulations.
Man, I enjoyed your music over the last couple of years, yuou brought some music back that I remembered from my mom. They sometimes evoked very vivid memories of my mom singing those tunes :-)
So thanks for that~!
And most of all: It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing :-)
KC

Check out my latest song called I DON'T LIKE IT

finkeldink	finkeldink said 477 days ago (February 28th, 2012)
	Sorry I was absent for a bit Michael I can honestly say that this is some of your best work. Someday I'm going to have to humbly offer you a finkeldink special backer for your vocal talent. It's been far too long. Upbeat and swingly of course. Much enjoyed! Check out my latest song called The Trader (Curtain Call- with Loob and egodays)

Doadars Uncle	Doadars Uncle said 475 days ago (March 1st, 2012)
	Smooth! One of my favs! Nicely done Michael! Check out my latest song called Alone (reboot)

paul f. page

paul f. page said 474 days ago (March 2nd, 2012)

i was certain...
I'd enjoy this rendition before I even clicked the "go" button. MJK, you perform at a level that most people will never even get close to. There is always such verve and delight in your vocals. It all comes across with clarity and what must be a wink and nod of satisfaction for having once again nailed a classic. It is so great that you are sharing this lost art with so many around the world through your MJ postings. It is, to be sure, an ART, and how fortunate we are to hear it. Many thanks for another wonderful post.

Check out my latest song called Eighty

Ibstrat	Ibstrat said 472 days ago (March 4th, 2012)
	Doesn't sound like smog to me- If the Velvet Fog was around he would love this! Check out my latest song called I Could Write a Book

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Name: michaeljayklein
Location: Birmingham Alabama USA

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Genre Info

Swing music, also known as swing jazz, is a form of jazz music that developed during the 1920s and solidified as a distinctive style during the 1930s in the United States. Swing is distinguished primarily by a strong rhythm section, usually including

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