Original Anthem: I vow to Thee, My Country
Country: England
Style: Funk/Gospel
“I Yearn for Thee, My Love” is a jazz take on the popular English anthem, “I Vow to Thee, My Country”, a poem by Sir Cecil Spring Rice set to music by the composer Gustav Holst in 1921 (adapted from the slow section of “Jupiter” in “The Planets”).
Both the poem and the music came about in the context of the First World War, and as a hymn it is still associated with Remembrance Day. As with “La Marseillaise”, its lyrics have been controversial, though, especially given the huge wastage of life caused by the Great War. For this reason, Rice rewrote the first verse to tone down the jingoistic implications of the original version.
“I Yearn for Thee, My Love” takes this a step further away from nationalist sentiment, returning to the essence of the yearning “Jupiter” theme before its association with the poem.
Harmonically and melodically, it is recognisably close to Holst, though it has a funk-jazz gospel feel, and while respecting the hymnal quality, it is also a fine vehicle for jazz improvisation.
I’d like to think that Gustav is not turning is his grave!
Instrumentation
Alto sax: Charlie Hearnshaw
Piano: Chris Lee
Acoustic bass: Neil Todd
Drums: Massimo de Majo
