"No Moon At All" is a jazz standard written in 1947 by composer Dave Mann and lyricist Redd Evans. The song is a charming, lighthearted piece that playfully depicts a romantic encounter on a moonless night.
The tune follows a 32-bar AABA form, most commonly played in Dm. Its minor-key chord progression has been described as having a baroque quality, lending the melody an intriguing depth beneath its playful surface. The line blends stepwise motion with well-placed leaps, making it highly singable. The bridge shifts to a brighter tonal area, creating an effective contrast. The song adapts well to various treatments, from Latin grooves to intimate ballads.
A standout recording is Julie London's version on Julie Is Her Name (1955), accompanied solely by guitarist Barney Kessel in an intimate duo setting. Anita O'Day's rendition on her album Anita (1956, Verve) is another celebrated interpretation that highlights the song's jazz vocal potential.
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The ultimate jazz fake book. A must-have for all gigging musicians.
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