Soon after the release of Spike Lee’s 1990 film Mo’ Better Blues, I heard today’s selection, which comes from the soundtrack.
The movie stars younger versions of Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes and Spike Lee, and features Cynda Williams, who sings “Harlem Blues,” a song written by blues legend W.C. Handy (1873-1958).
The soundtrack was performed by the Branford Marsalis Quartet (the leader of which is also the brother of several jazz musicians including Wynton, who was already a superstar by then) and Terence Blanchard. The musicians also wrote many of the songs on the soundtrack.
I have to admit not ever seeing the film, but I had always liked the sound of Williams’ voice on the song and bought the CD when it came out, because I liked the piece so much.
Now you know a little about why this is my song of the day for today. Thanks for joining me here, and please enjoy.
Here’s the audio from the Branford Marsalis Quartet YouTube topic channel:
