What is this thing called love

What Is This Thing Called Love? is a jazz standard written by the legendary American composer and songwriter Cole Porter. It was introduced in the Broadway musical Wake Up and Dream in 1929 and quickly became one of Porter's most enduring songs. Its memorable melody and sophisticated harmonic structure have made it a favorite among jazz musicians for nearly a century.

Django Reinhardt recorded What Is This Thing Called Love?, bringing his unmistakable Gypsy Jazz style to Cole Porter's classic. His interpretation combines lyrical phrasing, rhythmic drive, and inventive improvisation, helping establish the tune as part of the Manouche Jazz repertoire.

Musical character:
What Is This Thing Called Love? is known for its elegant melody, dramatic harmonic movement, and distinctive 32-bar AABA form. The song moves between minor and major tonalities, creating emotional contrast while providing an exciting framework for improvisation.

Connection to Manouche Jazz:
Thanks to Django Reinhardt's recordings, What Is This Thing Called Love? became a respected part of the Gypsy Jazz repertoire. Today it remains a popular choice at jam sessions and concerts, appreciated for its rich harmony, memorable melody, and endless improvisational possibilities.

Interesting facts:

• The song was introduced in the Broadway musical Wake Up and Dream in 1929.
• Cole Porter wrote both the music and the lyrics, something he did for most of his famous songs.
• The harmonic progression became so influential that several later jazz compositions, including Charlie Parker's Hot House, were based on its chord changes.
• Django Reinhardt recorded the tune in the 1930s, helping introduce it to European jazz audiences.
• Today What Is This Thing Called Love? is considered one of the essential jazz standards, performed by countless vocalists and instrumentalists around the world.

What Is This Thing Called Love? perfectly demonstrates Cole Porter's gift for combining unforgettable melodies with sophisticated harmony. Nearly a century after its premiere, it remains one of the most rewarding and frequently performed standards in both mainstream jazz and Manouche Jazz.