The Moe Koffman Quartette - The Swingin' Shepherd Blues

Originally issued February 1958 in Canada on Quality 1690 and in the US on Jubilee 5311.

Morris Koffman (1928-2001) was born in Toronto. He made his first recordings in 1948, and played as featured soloist (flute, sax, clarinet) with the big bands of Charlie Barnet and Jimmy Dorsey.

In 1957, he signed with Jubilee Records in New York, and made this record. Its original title was "Blues A La Canadiana," but it was changed at the suggestion of the engineer at the sesssion at RCA Studios on Mutual Street in Toronto, to "The Swingin' Shepherd Blues." It became an international smash, and eventually won a BMI award for one million logged plays.

It remained his biggest hit over a career spanning four decades, during which he played before royalty and heads of state, becoming a legend. Many honors and awards were bestowed upon him, including the Order of Canada.

Curiously, if ever this song is played, it is more likely to be one of several remakes he cut over the years. Here's the original recording, clean as a whistle.

Note: the label on the Virgo reissue single pictured misidentifes his group as a Septette; there were only four players.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Moe
• Koffman
• Swingin'
• Shepherd
• Blues
• 1958
• '50s
• Canadian
• pop
• jazz
• instrumental

[TwistedIllumination]

If anyone has the flute music I'd love it!

[mojofilter02]

If you find it, I'd love to know how they deal with the end of the solo into the verse following it. There's a jump of an octave plus a fifth, which is accomplished on the record by an edit in the tape. Is it even possible to jump 13 whole notes without taking a breath?

[sognol]

Mojofilter02 you ripper. Been searching for this original version for years. I've found my white whale. Thanks for posting it.

[mojofilter02]

You're very welcome! Glad I could be the one to end your search.

[hootinouts]

I'm 49 and this piece takes me back to my childhood too as well. My dad always had the radio on with this kind of music playing while he worked around the house. Those were the best of times for me. Life was simple and more relaxed.

[mojofilter02]

I'm 49 as well. One of my earliest memories is of listening to this record as a toddler, on a 78 at my grandmother's house. One of my uncles bought it, so it's like I've always known it.

[vanhall123]

I was a nerd in 1957, but I played the flute (natch). When this song came out, suddenly I got laid every weekend. Thank you Moe Koffman.

[rcfrenzydude]

Yea moe!!!!!

[baconater0]

my jazz band is doing this<3 i love it

[bmonkman03]

I used to go watch Moe and his group at George's Spaghetti House in Toronto often. He really was an unsung talent.

[jenicam]

My parrot whistles this song.

[TheWally243]

Could someone post "Little Pixie"  follow up to Swingin' Sheppard Blues. Thank You

[awesomatedkirby]

im playing this now sax solo is great!!!!!!!!!!

hope i could do it that well

[MsCherryPop3]

Always loved Moe Koffman! One of the best in jazz.

[redhairking]

I remember the day when I first heard this song...today.

[webaroos]

Early 60's in Kings Cross, Sydney a friend would play this on his flute, certainly brings back fond memories of a different time, when things didn't matter so much, more enjoying yourself and having a good time.

[webaroos]

Wow, so few views for this unforgettable classic, man, 60's cool, hip, beatniks, hanging out in coffee lounges, corduroy pants, leather elbow patches, ripple soled desert boots, just super coolness.