This edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion answers the musical question, “What is a riff?” It explores the history of the riff in Glenn Miller’s big 1939 hit “In the Mood” and begins with "Hot and Anxious," the source of the “In the Mood” riff.
In music, a riff is a repeated melody, rhythm, chord progression, or combination of all three these elements. In classical music, it is often referred to as an ostinato. Riffs can be found in rock, heavy metal, Latin, funk, and especially jazz. But are also found in classical music as well. Think about Ravel’s “Bolero,” for example. The term “riff” developed in the 1920s and became more prevalent as a result of jazz. Sometimes, riffs were borrowed, some might even say stolen, from other songs. We demonstrate that today by beginning with “Hot and Anxious,” a 1931 recording by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra. It is the source of the riff you’ll hear next in the 1939 hit “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.
- Hot and Anxious (1931 recording)
Composer: Horace Henderson (1904-1988)
Performer: Baltimore Bell Hops (Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra)
Album: Swing Time, Vol. 1
- In the Mood (1939 recording)
Composer: Wingy Manone (1900-1982), arranged by Joe Garland (1903-1977)
Performer: Glenn Miller and His Band
Album: Sixty Essential Recordings
- Royal Garden Blues (1931 recording)
Composer: Clarence Williams (1893?-1965) & Spencer Williams (1889-1965)
Performer: Ted Lewis & His Band
Album: Swing Time, Vol. 1
- Marcia Fonte Napoleone
Composer: Martin Kern (1956- )
Performer: Bavarian Police Band
Album: Droben im Hohen Suden
- Allgauer Bauernmarsch
Composer: Martin Kern
Performer: Bavarian Police Band
Album: Droben im Hohen Suden
- I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate
Composer: Armand J. Piron (1888-1943)
Performer: Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks with J.D. McPherson
Album: Boardwalk Empire, Vol. 3
- Tubaphonix
Composer: Franz Cibulka (1946-2016)
Performer: Bavarian Police Band
Album: Droben im Hohen Suden
- Deep Inside the Sacred Temple from “Pearl Fishers”
Composer: Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
Performer: Black Dyke Band
Album: Symphonic Brass - Spitfire Fugue
Composer: Sir William Walton (1902-1983)
Performer: Black Dyke Band
Album: Symphonic Brass
- Tobi Ilu (1962 recording)
Composer: James H. Bey, a.k.a. Chief Bey
Performer: Art Blakey & Afro-Drum Ensemble
Album: African Beat
- I'd Rather Lead a Band
Composer: Irving Berlin (1888-1989)
Performer: Loudon Wainwright with Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks
Album: I’d Rather Lead a Band
