The composition is in 4/4 time.[3]
It was influenced by New Orleans marching bands, and "starts in long meter form and transforms back into regular time."[4] Its straightforward harmony and separate sections make it ideal for improvisation.[4] In the view of Leonard Feather, "the theme, with its slight bugle-call orientation, has a period quality that ties the work together".[3]
Although some sources state that its first recorded version is the well known one by Art Blakey's band on his album Moanin'[4] (recorded on October 30, 1958[5]), the first version was on trumpeter Blue Mitchell's Big 6, which was recorded on July 2 and 3, 1958.[1][2] This album was also Mitchell's first as leader.[1]
Influence
"Blues March" is commonly played by military and other marching bands.[4]
