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The Viscounts — Harlem Nocturne
Album: Rock Instrumental Classics Vol #1 the 50's
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1812









Released: 1959
Length: 2:20
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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(Instrumental)
Comments (138)add comment
 neptunejeff wrote:
This is why I love Radio Paradise!...

This is the ONLY comment in this entire thread with a downvote (as of Nov 2024), and it's only a single downvote!  Crazy.

Observation #1: this level of uniformity of comment appreciation is unprecedented for an RP track of this vintage.

Observation #2: who the heck would downvote this comment anyway?

Posted 6 days ago by obispo    [ Reply ]
 thais wrote:

60 years old and still sexy ... I hope I'm so lucky ...


I'm 67 and I'm still sexy .... but my definition of "what's sexy" has changed a bit. 
Posted 8 months ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
This tune always reminds me of the early 60s TV series, Naked city.
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
She walked in with those legs, the type that make a bishop kick out a stained glass window. Yeah, she had em ... Those Legs!  That went all the way from her Ass to the Floor!💄👠
Posted 1 year ago by Michaeljcovel    [ Reply ]
EXCELLENT!!  Thanx RP!   PS: I like Danny Gatton's version better! It is on the RP playlist.
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Suddenly I want to hear Baker Street :)
Posted 3 years ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
This is why I love Radio Paradise!...
Posted 4 years ago by neptunejeff    [ Reply ]
She said, "Hey, you got a light, Mac?".

I said, "No, but I've got a dark brown overcoat".

(With thanks to the late, great Viv Stanshall.)
Posted 4 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
 ce wrote:
(with some minimal edits)
The plot thickens...

 NickDanger wrote:
It was a dark and rainy night. I was sitting in my office listening to the monotonous staccato of rain on my desktop and reading my name on the office door. "regnaD kciN."


The way this is developing, after a few more years of comments Bill may need to change the lyrics tab to "Parental Advisory Explicit Lyrics"...
 

lol Nick Danger, 3rd eye. OMG that takes me back a bit
Posted 4 years ago by Foote    [ Reply ]
60 years old and still sexy ... I hope I'm so lucky ...
Posted 4 years ago by thais    [ Reply ]
(with some minimal edits)
The plot thickens...

 NickDanger wrote:
It was a dark and rainy night. I was sitting in my office listening to the monotonous staccato of rain on my desktop and reading my name on the office door. "regnaD kciN."

 rgj13 wrote:
I was just settling into a glass full of my second-favorite kind of company when my office door opened to reveal two of the longest legs I'd ever seen attached to a low-cut red dress.

 Jelani wrote:
"...She walked in through the door with a determination I'd not seen from a woman, and gave me a look that would stop a clock; My socks rolled up and down..."

 trekhead wrote:
She was the kinda dame who wouldn't take NO for an answer...and I was always more of a YES man...

 Skydog wrote:

..........she poured herself a bourbon and asked me what's a nice guy like you doing in a girl like me,..................
 
The way this is developing, after a few more years of comments Bill may need to change the lyrics tab to "Parental Advisory Explicit Lyrics"...
Posted 5 years ago by ce    [ Reply ]
Can't help but think of David Lynch films...
Posted 5 years ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
It was a dark and rainy night. I was sitting in my office listening to the monotonous staccato of rain on my desktop and reading my name on the office door. "regnaD kciN."
Posted 5 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
High school slow dance...sigh....
Posted 5 years ago by dw    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Very sensual song :-).
Posted 6 years ago by mojcamojca77    [ Reply ]
 bfessier wrote:
Hard to believe Earle Hagen wrote that "stripper song" and the theme song to the Andy Griffith Show, isn't it?
 
"The Stripper" was written by David Rose, who originally recorded it, but Earle Hagen wrote scores of great tunes, including the theme from "I Spy" and "The Andy Griffith Show".
Posted 6 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Tango & Cash, dance scene
Posted 6 years ago by dago    [ Reply ]


Posted 6 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
RORTY!

Caps intended.
Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Sam Spade
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Sounds like a James Bond movie.
Posted 7 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
Oh, wow. That came out of nowhere and rocked my world !

kurtster wrote:
Damn if this doesn't contain the future sound of so much to come.

(...)

 
Very, very much my feeling listening to this.
Posted 7 years ago by fedtho    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:
The Rock Instrumental Classics series, also a box set, is worth hunting down if you're an instrumental junkie like me.

 
If you're an instrumental junkie check out Stereophonic Space Sound Unlimited.
Posted 8 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
Almost as good as the Harry James version, which is saying a lot. {#Clap}
Posted 8 years ago by GetBakedTonight    [ Reply ]
That is incredible music.


Posted 8 years ago by m9c99    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
"...She walked in through the door with a determination I'd not seen from a woman, and gave me a look that would stop a clock; My socks rolled up and down..."

 
..........she poured herself a bourbon and asked me what's a nice guy like you doing in a girl like me,..................
.
btw i rated it an 8 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Love the original but really like the Danny Gatton version.  Worth checking out.
Posted 8 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
"...She walked in through the door with a determination I'd not seen from a woman, and gave me a look that would stop a clock; My socks rolled up and down..."
Posted 9 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
The Rock Instrumental Classics series, also a box set, is worth hunting down if you're an instrumental junkie like me.
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Is "belt buckle"  a euphemism for something :)

marty88210 wrote:
I'm with ya "oldfart" but I sure enjoyed shining my belt buckle on a gal's tummy while dancing cheek to cheek in HS in '59. 

 


Posted 9 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 oldfart48 wrote:
the band " one hit wonder " was coined for......

 
Nah, there were plenty of "one-hit wonders" before this record came out: The Penguins, The Silhouettes, The Monotones, Ronald & Ruby, Sheb Wooley, The Teddy Bears, The Champs, etc.  Excellent tune, at any rate.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Cooooooool.
Posted 10 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
Play the Danny Gatton version of this. It just smokes....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U01s2Rvvl4w
Posted 10 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
I always want to hear the theme music from "The Blob" starring Steve McQueen after this. Love the sax!
Posted 10 years ago by k1j2cat    [ Reply ]
I'm with ya "oldfart" but I sure enjoyed shining my belt buckle on a gal's tummy while dancing cheek to cheek in HS in '59. 
Posted 10 years ago by marty88210    [ Reply ]
the band " one hit wonder " was coined for......
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
Slow dancing in the high school gym. It was dark. It was dangerously exciting then.


Posted 11 years ago by dw    [ Reply ]
Mike Hammer was a bad-ass. 
 
Posted 11 years ago by daveinnj    [ Reply ]
Damn if this doesn't contain the future sound of so much to come.

Anyone else hear the bass riff from 8 Miles High and lots more like surf music ?
Posted 11 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
For me, wherever I was and am in the world, this always calls to mind the intro of KBCO's Sunday night Blues Show, "Coming to you live, from the Red Rooster Lounge..." while this song slinks and crawls along the hall... It's still on, too! since the spring of 1985...VERY NICE!
Posted 11 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
That is a terrific description!

iam_overlord wrote:
This sounds like scotch tastes.
 


Posted 11 years ago by k1j2cat    [ Reply ]
Hard to believe Earle Hagen wrote that "stripper song" and the theme song to the Andy Griffith Show, isn't it?
Posted 12 years ago by bfessier    [ Reply ]
This sounds like scotch tastes.
Posted 12 years ago by iam_overlord    [ Reply ]
 mgoldman wrote:
Now play the Danny Gatton version. It is just awesome.
 
I'd like to hear that!
Posted 12 years ago by JIan    [ Reply ]
Stuff I love about Radio Paradise:

- Bill plays songs like this...
- Which make me want to learn more about them...
- And I learn something new...

Wiki: "Harlem Nocturne" is a jazz standard written by Earle Hagen and Dick Rogers in 1939.

This is one of those rare songs that is so perfect it can be covered, over and over again, and still sound fresh.
Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
 michaelc wrote:
Stripper horns
 
I was just going to say I like a bit of dirty sax occasionally.
Posted 12 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
There used to be this show every Sunday night on KBCO called Blues at the Red Rooster Lounge, and they used this song to fade in and out with, and whoah since it's sinister bad it always did the perfect job, and wow I had the radio on and caught the thing the other night — YES, it is STILL ON! every Sunday 9-10pm, and still jams, although, sadly, they don't use this song anymore...but I thought of it, and wanted to hear it again, and...voila, I turn on Radio Paradise tonight and synchronicity asserts itself in mastery and mystery, and I do groove on it...
Posted 12 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Now play the Danny Gatton version. It is just awesome.
Posted 12 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
 meinthecorner wrote:

I miss Danny Gatton. Haven't heard him here, yet.
 
(Politely coughing):

Danny's version:

https://www.radioparadise.com/#name=songinfo&song_id=38361 

RP has played three other DG songs...Surely a rectifiable insufficiency, Mr. Goldsmith. 
Posted 12 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Stripper horns
Posted 12 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

I like Gatton's version, but this melody really requires a saxophone as the lead instrument - in my opinion.  Earl Bostic recorded a couple of really smoky sax versions as did King Curtis.  Herbie Mann actually did a good version, too.  Great song.  I still have this single around somewhere.
 
I miss Danny Gatton. Haven't heard him here, yet.
Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
 azdcryan wrote:

danny gatton made filthy love to this one. the best version I've ever heard.
 
I like Gatton's version, but this melody really requires a saxophone as the lead instrument - in my opinion.  Earl Bostic recorded a couple of really smoky sax versions as did King Curtis.  Herbie Mann actually did a good version, too.  Great song.  I still have this single around somewhere.

Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
Something tells me she's not from Harlem!
 
Maybe she's just there for the sax!!! Lol!

Posted 12 years ago by meinthecorner    [ Reply ]
I have many versions of this track, as performed by different groups. It's one of my all-time favorites.
Posted 12 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Welcome to the Boom-Boom Room, gentlemen!!
Posted 12 years ago by Sorcha    [ Reply ]
 boober wrote:
Something tells me she's not from Harlem!
 
What's that - her accent?

Agreed with the posters below who laud Danny Gatton's version of this song.  He was so amazing - such a loss. 
Posted 13 years ago by Tippster    [ Reply ]
Great song!
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 nate917 wrote:

I was partial to a couple of smoky piano versions (including, in particular, Kofi's), until I heard Gatton's.  Blew me away.  It is indeed awesome.
 
danny gatton made filthy love to this one. the best version I've ever heard.
Posted 13 years ago by azdcryan    [ Reply ]
Heard this in the Boom Boom Room way back in the day..The way Dixie Cups moved those tassels was like moving art I tell ya..
Posted 13 years ago by MoM$CooKin    [ Reply ]
Mike Hammer anyone?
Posted 13 years ago by thediceareloaded    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:

The proper cover art....
  Something tells me she's not from Harlem!


Posted 13 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
Cheap but, way to go Bill. Love it. Still waiting for Ginetsera. Do it.
DaveinVa....Very cool man.

Posted 13 years ago by merobreno    [ Reply ]
Wow! This is why I love Radio Paradise. Most songs are close to my heart, even the ones I never heard before.
Posted 13 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]

The proper cover art....
Posted 13 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Gotta love that dirty sax.  I have the whole Rock Instrumentals set.  The soul one is the best (Soul Finger!), but they're all cool.
Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]

New York City by rising70
https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_first_rays/

Harlem,125th Street, 1964

Copyright All rights reserved

Posted 13 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
There was a B movie (early 60's maybe late 50's) named Beat Girl.  https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055779/ The movie is camp to say the least, but the sound track is fantastic, and this song reminded me of it.
Posted 13 years ago by Cleavose    [ Reply ]
We will be dance™ ))
Posted 13 years ago by Netto    [ Reply ]
Still have the original version of this on a 45.  It's still a powerful piece of music.  Thanks Bill.  A 10 because....
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
It's ecstasy when you're the one blowing this solo out.
Posted 14 years ago by muzik    [ Reply ]
 Alpine wrote:
Makes me want to have a smoke, a glass of warm scotch and wear a trench coat with a fidora.
 
Whoa - that totally sums this up. Um - I assume the scotch would be Glenfiddich? Glenmorden? Glengarrioch?  Anything less would demean this song...

I love this song - very bete-noir.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 fretman wrote:
Try Danny Gatton's version sometime, its awesome. This one is not bad at all, mind.
 
I was partial to a couple of smoky piano versions (including, in particular, Kofi's), until I heard Gatton's.  Blew me away.  It is indeed awesome.

Posted 14 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
Oh babe leave your hat on
Posted 14 years ago by michaelc    [ Reply ]
This type of music was and is so seductive. I remember my Dad playing it when I was little on our radio and thinking how glamorous and grown up it sounded.
Posted 14 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
I was just a little kid when this came out but I liked it then and it still holds up.  Really makes me think of night time in Harlem with this blues tune playing in the background.  I think the Mike Hammer version was done by a different group though.
Posted 15 years ago by bachbeet    [ Reply ]
Still have the 45 of this kicking around...
Posted 15 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Harlem Noctourne
Title says it all 
Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
Talk about obscure... and yet, my mind knew each and every riff, each note as it came forth, even the drum patterns. And I was like, 8 or 9, when this song was getting airplay.
Posted 15 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
Epic! That sax sounds so filthy. A great choice.
Posted 15 years ago by elphring    [ Reply ]
Starts out like the theme music of the movie series "Red Shoe Diaries"!  Love both.
Posted 16 years ago by Ericac    [ Reply ]
Mmmmmmmm Dirty music..
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
WonderLizard wrote:
All I've been able to find out is that it was written by Earl Hagen in 1940, had lyrics originally written by Dick Rogers, but is most often performed as an instrumental. Mel Torme recorded the lyrics version in 1963 that I haven't heard. I love the Viscounts' version as well as Danny Gatton's. It's that raunchy sax...
The composer of "Harlem Nocturne," Earle Hagen, died on May 26 at age 88.
Posted 16 years ago by Inamorato    [ Reply ]
smdeeg wrote:
Love Harlem Nocturne. Pretty good version of it. Can anybody comment on it's history?
All I've been able to find out is that it was written by Earl Hagen in 1940, had lyrics originally written by Dick Rogers, but is most often performed as an instrumental. Mel Torme recorded the lyrics version in 1963 that I haven't heard. I love the Viscounts' version as well as Danny Gatton's. It's that raunchy sax...
Posted 16 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
Anyone remember this from the movie Christine?
THAT is exactly what I was trying to think of!
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]
Misterfixit wrote:
If you are ever in Nashville, go to the strip club "De Ja Vu" (snip) The DJ at The Tool Box (a gay strip club) also plays this in rotation. (snip)
Miserfixit, your breadth of knowledge never ceases to amaze! Love Harlem Nocturne. Pretty good version of it. Can anybody comment on it's history?
Posted 16 years ago by smdeeg    [ Reply ]
Not normally a big sax fan here but do like this ... maybe the memories from my youth.
Posted 17 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
If you are ever in Nashville, go to the strip club "De Ja Vu" -- on Friday Nights at about 11pm their DJ plays this for about 20 minutes while several pole dancers do all kinds of slithering gyrations. The DJ at The Tool Box (a gay strip club) also plays this in rotation. Let's not go any further about pole dances over there, OK?
Posted 17 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
Lonestar wrote:
Makes me think of Tarantino
Makes me want to have a smoke, a glass of warm scotch and wear a trench coat with a fidora.
Posted 17 years ago by Alpine    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of Tarantino
Posted 17 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
fretman wrote:
Try Danny Gatton's version sometime, its awesome. This one is not bad at all, mind.
Ackk!! I have that AND Sleepwalk in 160VBR so I can't uplaod them to RP.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
ce wrote:
The first few bass notes make me think it was "The Byrds' "Eight Miles High".
I heard that, too -- and what a tasty treat that would have been, eh?! though I gotta admit, I like this too -- there used to be this Blues From The Red Rooster Lounge, Sunday night blues show on KBCO in the 80s that used this as the theme...mighty good stuff from the good old days! I used to do my best study and paper-writing under deadline pressure while listening to it...
Posted 17 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
The first few bass notes make me think it was "The Byrds' "Eight Miles High".
Posted 17 years ago by ce    [ Reply ]
fretman wrote:
Try Danny Gatton's version sometime, its awesome. "Amen to that." This one is not bad at all, mind.
Posted 17 years ago by mgoldman    [ Reply ]
Try Danny Gatton's version sometime, its awesome. This one is not bad at all, mind.
Posted 17 years ago by fretman    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of the music from "Grim Fandango". Am loving it now!
Posted 17 years ago by MylenerHead    [ Reply ]
Notelrac wrote:
I expect to hear Garrison Keillor's voice fade in, giving us another thrilling tale of the further adventures of Nick Danger, Third Eye!
That would've been Firesign Theater with Nick Danger, or perhaps you meant Guy Noir from Garrison's show. Harlem Nocturne's a perfect fit for either one, of course. I like the Lounge Lizard's version better, though.
Posted 17 years ago by ktnsb    [ Reply ]
beag wrote:
The Lounge Lizards did a version that swings a lot more.
Uploaded the Lounge Lizards' cover a while back--it was sorried. Not that I don't like the Viscounts' classic hit version. Just glad to hear the song in all its reverby, after-hours glory in any form.
Posted 18 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
that does sound like the same style of saxaphone playing as in "Comanche" by The Revels (from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack). and man is that ever how a saxaphone should be played! Helchat wrote:
My thoughts exactly!! Did he use this in one of them? or perhaps Q. T. used it in Pulp Fiction?
Posted 18 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
my goodness
Posted 18 years ago by wintercove    [ Reply ]
mrmojorisin wrote:
Is a David Lynch movie about to commence?
My thoughts exactly!! Did he use this in one of them? or perhaps Q. T. used it in Pulp Fiction?
Posted 18 years ago by Helchat    [ Reply ]
This is pretty smokin'.
Posted 18 years ago by pixidrizzl    [ Reply ]
tripacer wrote:
About a week after the discovery of fire, Hunter Hancock in LA used to use this as the intro to his show. He played Rhythm and Blues back in the days when some of the records said, "Not approved for airplay" and had yellow labels signifying that they were "race music". Those of us who knew; knew that Patty Page's "Dance With Me Henry" ripped off "Annie Had a Baby" just like they ripped off "Oh, Baby Don't Drop It". HH was outrageous and much railed against which means that every kid I knew listened.
Thanks for sharing that story.
Posted 18 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
About a week after the discovery of fire, Hunter Hancock in LA used to use this as the intro to his show. He played Rhythm and Blues back in the days when some of the records said, "Not approved for airplay" and had yellow labels signifying that they were "race music". Those of us who knew; knew that Patty Page's "Dance With Me Henry" ripped off "Annie Had a Baby" just like they ripped off "Oh, Baby Don't Drop It". HH was outrageous and much railed against which means that every kid I knew listened.
Posted 18 years ago by tripacer    [ Reply ]
deep, smokey bbq...
Posted 18 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
gpracer wrote:
Harlem Nocturne is one of the all-time great tunes. This version wasn't bad.
I haven't heard this in decades, I am sure. Not since, in fact, the days of black & white television. Wasn't it used on some detective show back then? In any case I LOVE IT!!!
Posted 18 years ago by Steven_G    [ Reply ]
Lovely lowdown saxophone! Good to hear this again!
Posted 18 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
pure poop.
Posted 19 years ago by tony620d    [ Reply ]
The guitar sounds like D. Gilmour's early workshops (71/73) for Pink Floyd.
Posted 19 years ago by xavi    [ Reply ]
I expect to hear Garrison Keillor's voice fade in, giving us another thrilling tale of the further adventures of Nick Danger, Third Eye!
Posted 19 years ago by Notelrac    [ Reply ]
Great tune. Sound's a bit iffy but great tune.
Posted 19 years ago by davie70    [ Reply ]
hmmm.... I sense clothing being removed somewhere....
Posted 19 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
Harlem Nocturne is one of the all-time great tunes. This version wasn't bad.
Posted 19 years ago by gpracer    [ Reply ]
Pure noir. Just like they all said. Cigs, booze, and femme fatales. Crisp James Wong Howe photography. Now we dolly back.....
Posted 19 years ago by redeyespy    [ Reply ]
I have many versions of "Harlem Nocturne" in my collection. It's fun to compare different artistic approaches.... Great tune.
Posted 19 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Mike Hammer's Private eye. isn't it?
Posted 19 years ago by Oscar    [ Reply ]
Is a David Lynch movie about to commence?
Posted 19 years ago by mrmojorisin    [ Reply ]
rgj13 wrote:
It was a dark and lonely night, and I was just settling into a glass full of my second-favorite kind of company when my office door opened to reveal two of the longest legs I'd ever seen attached to a low-cut red dress.
She was the kinda dame who wouldn't take NO for an answer...and I was always more of a YES man...
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Konrad wrote:
As far as I know, Willy DeVille did. I can't decide yet which version I prefer.
DeVille follows The Viscounts by roughly 20 years. This is the "original" rock hit from the '50s. It was written by Earl Hagen in 1939 and was a big band staple for quite a while before the Viscounts' version. You should hear Danny Gatton's version from Unfinished Business.
Posted 19 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]