I Mean You is a jazz standard written by Coleman Hawkins and Thelonious Monk. It was first recorded and released by Hawkins and his Orchestra in October 1946, marking its introduction to the jazz repertoire.
Key facts:
- The tune is closely associated with both Hawkins and Monk, blending Hawkins’s swing with Monk’s distinctive piano touch.
- Monk recorded his own version on July 2, 1948 during the Wizard of the Vibes sessions, with Milt Jackson on vibraphone.
- Lyrics were later added by others, including Chaka Khan for Echoes of an Era and Jon Hendricks who titled a version You Know Who, performed by Carmen McRae on Carmen Sings Monk.
- The piece has many versions and adaptations, making it a staple in the jazz canon and a common vehicle for instrumental and vocal explorations.
