Harlem Nocturne

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 4 Jun 2008 3:59 pm

Was thinking about this song today,Years ago used to play a lot of floor shows,this was a favorite among the show girls to dance to.Do any of you have a clip of it being played on steel you could post,thanks a lot.DYKBC.

Jerry Overstreet · Post by **Jerry Overstreet** » 4 Jun 2008 5:53 pm

Can't help you with the clip Charlie....sorry. I just wanted to say that this is a great tune and, like a lot of others from this era, is something we don't hear enough of lately.

The Mike Hammer tv series from a few years ago refreshed my exictment about this one and although I've not done much with it on steel or guitar, it's one of my favorite tunes to practice with on my Roland organ's tenor sax sim.

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 4 Jun 2008 6:14 pm

check out Joe Goldmark

http://www.audiolunchbox.com/album?a=45800

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 4 Jun 2008 6:48 pm

Thanks guys,should have known Joe would have a cut on it,Other than big bands or jazz groups,the only other version I have heard was on a Ventures album years ago,Always LOVED that tune,plus many more from WAY back then.DYKBC.

Pete Finney · Post by **Pete Finney** » 4 Jun 2008 7:37 pm

Danny Gatton did it on his first album, and he played it a lot over the years. I played it some with Danny on some southern Maryland beer joint gigs years ago, I hadn't been playing long and I'm glad there's no evidence!

I don't know if any of the Gatton/Emmons gigs featured that tune; it's not on any of their recordings that I know of but it'd sure be cool to hear Buddy's take on it.

Here's a link to video of Danny playing it:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=vOuey2_h7oM&feature=related

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 4 Jun 2008 9:06 pm

I worked up an arrangement of it, but have not yet performed it in public. Maybe next year in Phoenix.

There are several ways to get the minor chord with the major 7th, but I found the best way (for me at least) is to use the B and C pedal and the E to En knee lever together.

This of course requires a tunable split. My millennium has them. My older steels did not, but I had Jim Palenscar install them on the 4th, 5th and 8th strings.

Brint Hannay · Post by **Brint Hannay** » 4 Jun 2008 9:11 pm

Haven't heard the Joe Goldmark version linked to above, but he plays a terrific solo on the Jim Campilongo and the Ten Gallon Cats version on the album "Loose". Campilongo tears it up, too--his rendition stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Gatton's several available performances, IMHO (in fact, I personally like it better!)

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 4 Jun 2008 10:00 pm

Sadly, composer Earle Hagen died just a few days ago.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 4 Jun 2008 10:50 pm

Don't know why I did'nt think of this to start with,I Googled in Harlen Noctume,found lots of vidio.Everything but a steel version,These are some of them,Danny Gatton--Jim Campilongo--Ray Anthony--Earl Bostic[my favorite]--Lounge Lizards--AMP Monterey jazz festival--Sky King--Antonio Tony Newton[bass solo]--Zydeco Annie and the Swamp Cats--IJH band--Viscounts--Golden Tone Orchestra--several more including a harmonica and a ukelele version,but dammit no steel version.DYKBC.

Mike Perlowin · Post by **Mike Perlowin** » 4 Jun 2008 11:50 pm

The Jim Campolongo clip features Joe Goldmark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kXyow1C ... re=related

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 5 Jun 2008 3:54 pm

Mike.I figured that ,but for some reason that's the only vidio I could'nt get to download,will try it again.It was nice to hear that great old tune played in several different style,Reall enjoyed Sil Austin's version,he's allways been a favorite of mine,Love the steel,but have always been a sucker for tenor and alto sax players.All the way from Bird Parker to David Sanborn.DYKBC.

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 5 Jun 2008 4:57 pm

The two 45 RPM versions of "Harlem Nocturne" I grew up on were the Vicounts sax/guitar 50's hit in the key of Em and Earl Bostic's great alto showpiece in the key of Abm. I've been playing it on steel in the key of Fm. I play the first 5 pickup notes at the 8th fret/no pedals and then play the I minor/major chord at the 5th fret, 6&7 pedals, strings 7,6,5,4. This sets you up to play the 4m chord at the 1st fret taking advantage of the deep bass tones on your the steel.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 5 Jun 2008 6:52 pm

That sounds great Robert,Wish I could hear you play it.DYKBC.

robert kramer · Post by **robert kramer** » 7 Jun 2008 10:51 am

Charles, It might take some time but I will try and get "Harlem Nocturne" recorded and sent to you.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 7 Jun 2008 10:56 am

Robert,that sounds great,really appreciate that,Thanks a lot.DYKBC.

Burr Oxley · Post by **Burr Oxley** » 9 Jun 2008 7:35 pm

A gentleman from Minnesota played Harlem Nocturne at the "Udder Jam" in Wisconsin Rapids this past March. If you want, I'll see if I can scare up my tape of this performance and send you a copy.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 9 Jun 2008 10:04 pm

That would be great Burr,Thanks so much.DYKBC.