Spreadin' Rhythm Around by Daniel Michael (P.52.S)

Week #13: "Spreadin' Rhythm Around" was written by Ted Koehler (lyrics) and Jimmy McHugh (music). Ted Koehler is best known for his collaborations with Harold Arlen on such classics as As Long As I Live, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, I Gotta Right To Sing the Blues, Let's Fall In Love, and Stormy Weather. Jimmy McHugh was incredibly prolific and penned such classics as I Can't Give You Anything But Love, On the Sunny Side of the Street, and I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me - which I recorded a few weeks ago.

Though the song may not be considered a standard, it was recorded by a few very important and influential performers. My favorite - as usual - is Billie Holiday's soulful - even funky - version. Indeed, I liked Holiday's version so much that I even learned the solos as featured on that recording and tried my best to quote them - of special note is Johnny Hodges' fantastic alto saxophone solo. The stride master Fats Waller also recorded a light, fun version in 1935. All this having been said, I hope you enjoy my version of this great song!