When arranging a piece of music choosing the right instrumentation is key to shaping the sound. The original version of Caravan was born out of Juan Tizol’s concept of the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s sound, a big band. Compare the different arrangements, noticing the overall effects of instrument choice. Another aspect of the difference you may notice is how the players solo over the chord changes.

Now if you add lyrics to the melody and hear it arranged by Nat King Cole you’ve got something very different but the essence of the tune is not lost – I would say it’s enhanced.

CARAVAN lyrics

Night and stars a-bove that shine so bright

The myst-’ry of their fa-ding light

That shines up-on our ca-ra-van

Sleep up-on my shoulder as we creep

Across the sand so I may keep

The mem-’ry of our ca-ra-van

This is so ex-ci-ting

You are so in-vi-ting

Rest-ing in my arms

As I thrill to the ma-gic charms

Of you beside me here be-neath the blue

My dream of love is com-ing true

With-in our des-ert ca-ra-van!