Solal was the son of an opera singer and piano teacher, who learnt the instrument from the age of six, settling in Paris in 1950. He soon began working with leading musicians including Django Reinhardt and expatriates from the United States like Sidney Bechet and Don Byas. He formed a quartet (occasionally also leading a big band) in the late 1950s, although he had been recording as a leader since 1953. Solal then began composing film music, eventually providing over twenty scores. [1]
In 1963 he made a much admired appearance at the Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island; the Newport '63 album purporting to be a recording of this gig is actually a studio recreation. At this time, his regular trio featured bassist Guy Pedersen and drummer Daniel Humair. From 1968 he regularly performed and recorded with Lee Konitz in Europe and the United States of America.
In recent years, Martial Solal has continued to perform and record with his trio. Throughout his career he has performed solo, and during 1993-94 he gave thirty solo concerts for French Radio, a selection of performances from which were subsequently released in a 2CD set Improvise Pour Musique France by JMS Records.
Solal has also written a piano method book entitled Jazz Works.
It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing
Martial Solal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
It don't mean a thing
All you got to do is sing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
If it's sweet or hot
Just give that rhythm
Ev'rything you got
Oh, it don't mean a thing
If it ain't got that swing
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
The lyrics to Martial Solal's rendition of "It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing" emphasize the importance of swing in music. The phrase "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the central theme. "Swing" refers to the rhythmic feel characterized by a syncopated groove, typically associated with jazz and big band music. The lyrics suggest that no matter how melodically pleasing or technically proficient a piece of music may be, it lacks significance and impact if it lacks swing.
The repetitive use of "doo wah" in the lyrics adds a playful and rhythmic element to the song. It serves as a vocalization of the swing rhythm and enhances the overall energy and drive of the performance. The lyrics also mention that it doesn't matter if the music is "sweet or hot," meaning that swing can be applied to various styles and genres as long as the rhythmic groove is present. The importance of giving the rhythm "everything you got" indicates that swing is not just a technique, but a feeling and attitude that the musicians and singers bring to their performance.
Overall, the lyrics convey the idea that swing is essential for music to have meaning and impact. It highlights the significance of rhythm, groove, and the ability to move and captivate listeners with its infectious energy and groove.
Line by Line Meaning
It don't mean a thing
The significance is absent
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it possesses the necessary rhythm and groove
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
(expressing inarticulate vocal sounds)
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
(continuation of inarticulate vocal sounds)
All you got to do is sing
Just engage in vocalization
It makes no diff'rence
The distinction does not matter
If it's sweet or hot
Regardless of whether it's gentle or intense
Just give that rhythm
Simply provide the beat
Ev'rything you got
With all your effort
Oh, it don't mean a thing
Oh, it lacks significance
If it ain't got that swing
Unless it possesses the necessary rhythm and groove
(doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah
(expressing inarticulate vocal sounds)
Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)
(continuation of inarticulate vocal sounds)
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Duke Ellington, Irving Mills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind