It Don’t Mean A Thing – 1986
Svend Asmussen
A fine swing performance from the classic jazz violinist
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Svend Asmussen (1916-2017) was one of the top jazz violinists for many decades but he tended to be overshadowed by Stephane Grappelli and his own diverse talents.
Born in Copenhagen, the Danish violinist made his first recordings in the 1930s, spent many years performing in music halls and Danish television (where his comic skills were very much in evidence), and along the way recorded with Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, and singer Alice Babs.
In 1986 at 70, Asmussen swings joyfully at the legendary Jazzhus Montmartre club in Copenhagen, playing “It Don’t Mean A Thing” with pianist Kenny Drew, bassist Niels Henning Orsted Pederson, and drummer Ed Thigpen.
-Scott Yanow
