Whilst randomly searching online for information about the standard, "Caravan," we came across an interesting article arguing that the piece was based on an earlier Ellington-penned song, "Alabamy Home." When one listens to the recording of it from the 1930s by the Gotham Stompers, one can immediately notice the harmonic and other similarities with Juan Tizol's "Caravan." But when Duke's Orchestra recorded the piece, they emphasized more of the "jungle" sound or aesthetic with use of muted trumpets, as well as featuring vocals. However, the later recording of the tune by Zoot Sims illustrates the unmistakable similarities with "Caravan." Thus, Juan Tizol's credit for the song was probably in emphasizing the vaguely "Oriental" and Spanish themes already evident in "Alabamy Home." Hannah Krall finding parts for the trombone for "Alabamy Home" dated to the period of 1926-1928 clearly demonstrates that "Caravan" was a reworking of "Alabamy Home."
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