Harlem Night Song is infused with the language of blues: mixed major and minor tonalities, a gentle tempo, humming. The music is also nocturnal and atmospheric. The chorus sings "I love you", as if calling back and forth across the Harlem rooftops. A change of pace follows in the middle of the piece: "Down in the street, a band is playing..." Scat singing, percussive vocal effects and random patterns of "I love you" bring this work to a close. c. 3:15 |
