Piano Corner

  • Transcriptions, vocals, and much more

    This diverse update has a bit of something for everyone. If you've been waiting for new vocal music, this is your week! We're excited to add new pieces by Sergio Mihanovich and Ruby Braff for voice this week. Instrumentalists can enjoy these pieces as well, of course -- as well as the other six new additions this week. With a solo transcription of Art Farmer, David Hazeltine's own solo piano arrangement, and new original quintet arrangements, these new titles have it all.

    SERGIO MIHANOVICH: Sometime Ago
    A wistful classic for singers and instrumentalists. Art Farmer's solo transcription available, as is a vocal lead sheet.

    AL COHN: Something For Lisa
    Medium swing in a cool jazz style. Chet Baker's quintet arrangement available.

    GIGI GRYCE: Exhibit A
    A rhythm changes head with a twist on the bridge. Try Gigi's own arrangement.

    DAVID HAZELTINE: Ann's Mood
    Tonal and beautiful with a cyclical form.

    DAVID HAZELTINE: Pentimento
    Charming post-bop bossa. Solo piano arrangement available.

    RUBY BRAFF: We're All Through
    A sultry medium swing with a lyric describing a relationship's end. Vocal lead sheet available.

    ERIC ALEXANDER: Little Lucas
    A modal composition with great flexibility.

    IDREES SULIEMAN: Tell Me What's Your Name 
    A thoughtful, tender ballad.

  • Nine new titles at jazzleadsheets.com

    Another week means one thing at jazzleadsheets.com: new music. This week, we're proud to introduce three important new composers: pianist Buddy Montgomery, alto saxophonist Jerry Dodgion and trumpeter Ryan Kisor. It's a massive update with nine new titles in all by a wide range of composers from Hank Mobley to Cecilia Coleman. Make sure to check out this week's videos -- this update has exclusives from jazzleadsheets.com that feature the composers themselves with rising young artists.

    Here are this week's new titles:

    HANK MOBLEY: Space Flight
    Classic early Mobley: burning fast rhythm changes. Full quintet arrangement available.

    SONNY CLARK: Dial S For Sonny
    12 bars of hard bop with a stop time head.

    BUDDY MONTOMGERY: Here Again
    A hard bop swinger.

    RYAN KISOR: Horror Show
    A challenging workout for any instrument.

    HAROLD LAND: Reflections
    Simple melody, challenging form. First, second and bass parts available.

    HAROLD LAND: As You Like It
    A twist on rhythm changes. First and second parts available.

    CECILIA COLEMAN: So You Say
    A modern take on "You Stepped Out Of A Dream." Lead sheets and piano-bass duo available.

    DONALD BROWN: Havana Days
    Modal, modern uptempo Latin. Solo piano arrangement available.

    JERRY DODGION: Holunderkuchen
    A minor blues that switches between 3/4 and 4/4.

    Looking for something more visual? Browse the album covers in the gallery on the Albums page! To get there, click "FEATURES" in the top navigation bar, then "Albums" in the drop-down menu.

  • Joy Spring, new composers and more hits

    Many people have enjoyed the solo transcriptions of Clifford Brown on his classic composition "Joy Spring," but we've often been asked where the lead sheets are. Until now, you've only been able to purchase the arrangement through Second Floor Music's sheet music affiliates, but we've now made individual lead sheets available for everyone in the original key in honor of the 61st anniversary of the septet recording. On top of that, we're adding two new composers this week: tenor saxophonist Ernie Wilkins and pianist Eddie Higgins. With additions to the Piano Corner, Bass Corner, and new quintet arrangements, this update may just raise the temperature a little more on this hot July week.

    CLIFFORD BROWN: Joy Spring

    The classic bop standard -- now available in the original key, plus Clifford Brown's trumpet solo from the septet recording.

    J.J. JOHNSON: NWPT

    Rhythm changes with a twist. Original quintet arrangement available.

    DON PATTERSON & SONNY STITT: Aries

    A laid-back, swinging ballad in two keys.

    GRACHAN MONCUR: Thandiwa

    A quirky waltz with first and second parts available.

    ERNIE WILKINS: Far Out East

    This bop melody has a serious swing.

    EDDIE HIGGINS: Shinjuku Twilight

    Charming and sweet with Japanese flair.

    RONNIE MATHEWS: John Charles

    A post-bop blues that features the bass.

    RONNIE MATHEWS: Salima's Dance

    Blues-like, with an even-8ths 3/4 groove. Solo Piano Arrangement available.

    RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK: Funk Underneath

    A simple laid-back riff blues.

    Plus, celebrate Hank Mobley's birthday (this past Tuesday, July 7) by checking out our extensive catalog of Hank Mobley lead sheets.

     

  • Three new composers. One big update.

    We're back with another big update! This week, we're welcoming three new composers to the site: tenor saxophonist Paul Quinichette, cornetist Ruby Braff and bassist Santi Debriano. Our Recording Session Anniversaries this week celebrates the anniversary of the first recording of Gigi Gryce's Capri with new lead sheets in the original key -- including two Clifford Brown trumpet solos; the recording sessions for Kenny Drew Jr.'s album "A Look Inside" (Alhambra, A Look Inside); Ray Bryant's legendary performance at Montreaux; and Ruby Braff's recording session for his album "Braff!" on which Here's Freddie was recorded.

    We're also celebrating birthdays: vocalist Rachel Gould, pianist Elmo Hope and bassist Santi Debriano. Join us in marking all of these anniversaries and birthdays with great music!

    Check out this week's new music:

    GIGI GRYCE: Capri 
    Now available in the original key with two Clifford Brown trumpet solos

    KENNY DREW JR: Alhambra
    A lyrical, flowing bossa

    KENNY DREW JR: A Look Inside
    A cheerful & bubbly medium swing

    RAY BRYANT: Blues #3
    Master the blues in G with this three-chorus piano solo transcription

    RAY BRYANT: Blues #2
    A blues tour-de-force: seven choruses of piano solo transcription

    PAUL QUINICHETTE: Prevue
    A simply & catchy medium swing that makes a great choice for vocalists. Paul Quinichette's tenor sax solo transcription available.

    RUBY BRAFF: Here's Freddie
    Classic, laid-back mainstream jazz

    SANTI DEBRIANO: Abra Cadabra
    A bright Latin piece

    Have you seen our new inline audio player? It's a simple blue box that appears in our text notes whenever we want to feature a sample in the middle of text. If you come across a blue box with a triangle on it like this , click it and listen to the music!

    Make sure to click on the dots under the home page slider; we've put some fun ways to look at this week's music there. 
    Enjoy the music!

  • New composers and new music all summer long

    We hope you're enjoying the new website. With our reboot behind us, we're back to focusing on what matters the most: the music. To start the summer off right, we're releasing new music every week. This week, we're proud to welcome composers Adriano Acea, Jon Gordon and John Webber to the site. We also have lead sheets and transcriptions of trumpeter Art Farmer, pianist Geoffrey Keezer and drummers Bill Stewart and Carl Allen to round out a selection that has something for everyone. Don't forget to check out our homepage for new videos and other featured content -- click the dots under the slider to see all the new material, updated weekly.

    Here's what's new on jazzleadsheets.com:

    Art Farmer - Flashback
    Get inside this medium swing, featuring Art Farmer's solo transcription, Geoff Keezer's piano solo and melody comping transcriptions, and Carl Allen's drum comping transcription

    Tom McIntosh - With Malice Toward None
    Appealing, adaptable with a touch of soul. Available in two different keys.

    Jon Gordon - Shape Up
    Intricate, contemporary and rhythmically complex. With Bill Stewart's drum comping and solo transcriptions and a video of Bill.

    Jon Webber - So Young
    An introspective and quirky ballad with second parts.

    Adriano Acea - Little Leona
    An enticing Latin/swing hybrid.

    Enjoy the music,
    Don Sickler and the jazzleadsheets.com team

  • Welcome to the new jazzleadsheets.com!

    The wait is over . . . it's here!

    The big day has finally come: our new website is live on jazzleadsheets.com!

    Visit us now to see the brand new look and new features -- and new composers and music! Our new website includes an easy search function always at the top right of every page, embedded videos, expanded instrumental sections, new payment options (now including PayPal), and a mobile-friendly design. We now feature special content on our homepage, so be sure to click the dots at the bottom of the new arrivals graphic to browse this week's exclusive videos.

    We hope you enjoy this revamp as much as we do. If you have any suggestions, click here to let us know what you think. We'd love to hear from you.
    It wouldn't be a news update from jazzleadsheets.com without new music. Here are our first releases of the summer.

    RAHSAAN ROLAND KIRK: Serenade To A Cuckoo
    A sunny and whimsical swing featuring a video of Rahsaan Roland Kirk on flute.

    SLIDE HAMPTON: Frame For The Blues
    This sultry slow blues is a classic. See three moving video performances.

    ROY HARGROVE: Mental Phrasing
    A fusion of modern jazz, hard bop, and Latin.

    JIM MCNEELY: Over The Edge
    A versatile samba with video of Jim McNeely & Stan Getz. Solo piano arrangement and exclusive audio track available.

    DON SICKLER: Tempo di Max
    A Don Sickler original with Minus You audio and a solo piano arrangement. See a 13 year-old Daryl Johns play at lightning speeds!

    RICHARD WYANDS: Yes It Is
    A syncopated swinger with exclusive audio and video.

    DOUG WATKINS: Bet
    Bass and trumpet play this medium swing melody. There's Minus You audio for every instrument.

    JIM ROTONDI: Miller Time
    A cool and relaxed hard bop.

    BILL BARRON: Tone Colors
    Modern and striking!

    AL COHN: The Note
    Uptempo swing from a melodic master. This chart comes from the Al Cohn/Zoot Sims book -- make your own arrangement with our 1st and 2nd parts.

    Enjoy the music,
    Don Sickler and the jazzleadsheets.com team

     

  • Be jolly: Deck your music stands with new lead sheets.

    'Tis the season of giving, so we're keeping these holidays merry and bright with a new collection of lead sheets.

    HANK MOBLEY: Night Watch
    That’s right — we’ve got more of this classic composer and we can’t wait to share it! Hank Mobley’s winning melodic style — singable, simple lines — is on display here in this Latin/swing hybrid.

    NORMAN SIMMONS: Slumberettes
    Don’t sleep on this jazzy lullaby. This sweet, lilting waltz by composer/pianist Norman Simmons is sensitive and graceful. Pianists, be sure to check out our solo piano arrangements: one by Norman himself and an easy piano arrangement by Don Sickler. Both were recorded exclusively for jazzleadsheets.com by maestro Kenny Drew, Jr. Concert condensed score and second parts available.

    BILL BARRON: Minor Mode
    Don’t confuse this piece with the Booker Little composition of the same name! This energetic medium swing makes a great introduction to the underrated (but always impressive) hard bop composer Bill Barron. Second and third parts available.

    JON BURR: Rainbow Over Harlem
    Jon Burr’s charming medium swing has a memorable and dreamy melody — and it’s available in editions both for instrumentalists and singers! Vocalists will love stretching their ears with this piece that we’ve made available in both female- and male-friendly keys. And everyone will enjoy the laid-back feel that supports the alluring melody.

    ROB BARGAD: Tears
    A sultry, slow Latin piece that mixes a modern jazz melody with a smoldering cha-cha/bolero groove. Rob Bargad flaunts his compositional prowess on this chart. If you’re not hip to this current composer yet, now’s the time to start!

    Share the joy with us at jazzleadsheets.com!

  • April showers bring new composers

    It’s a new month, a new batch of lead sheets, and most exciting of all, two new composers added to our roster!

    We’re very excited to be welcoming GEOFFREY KEEZER and VALERY PONOMAREV to the jazzleadsheets.com family. These two virtuosos represent all that is great about the jazz scene today — not only are they two of the most talented musicians on their respective instruments, but their compositions are out of this world. We’re starting off with one piece from each of their first solo releases.

    Geoffrey Keezer’s first album as a leader was recorded when he was only 17 — a fact that is all the more incredible when you hear his complex, edgy, irresistible composition Babes In McCoyland. With elements of Latin, rock, and gospel all mixed together, this piece is nothing short of addictive.

    Valery Ponomarev’s first solo release came a bit later in life, but his composition Take Care is equally impressive. It fits in perfectly with many of our hard-bop compositions even though it was recorded years later — that’s how much soul and style Valery has as both a composer and a player.

    But the new releases from our other composers are just as enticing. If it’s a ballad you need, look no further than Myles. This sensitive, haunting composition by Billy Pierce is simply breath-taking. If it happens to make you tear up a bit on the first listen, you’re in good company.

    It’s been a while since we’ve treated you with a composition from maestro Al Cohn, and there’s no better piece to come back with than Danielle . This versatile composition (recorded as a bossa, slow swing, or ballad) has a plaintive, nostalgic quality to it and a melody so lovely you’ll be humming it for days.

    And singers: we’ve got a great pick for you, too! Over The Brink comes from Judy Niemack’s fantastic tutorial book, Hear It And Sing It: Exploring The Blues, but it’s a great chart in its own right. The instrumental composition, Push Come To Shove, is by Julian Priester, and Julian and Judy make quite a team. Over The Brink is a sultry, unusual, exciting blues (complete with a minus you audio track) that will push your ear and really work your chops.

  • New in March

    We’re back with another batch of new releases! This week, we’re featuring the compositions of some of our favorite pianists of yesterday and today. From hard bop to modern jazz, these pieces are sure to inspire and excite you, no matter what instrument you play.

    LOW TIDE by Elmo Hope: An unconventional swing with an easy melody but a surprising harmonic progression over eight bars. Available as a lead sheet, quintet edition, or solo piano arrangement.

    STAIRWAY TO THE STEINWAY by Freddie Redd: Get ready for some fun on this whirlwind head — a little bit of this sunny, upbeat piece will be sure to take away any residual winter blues.

    BEAUTY WITHIN by James Williams: Celebrate your own beauty within! This magnificent ballad has such unusual soloing changes that it’s bound to bring out the best in your improvisation. Available as a lead sheet or solo piano arrangement — plus an exclusive audio track featuring Kenny Drew Jr.!

    SONG FROM WITHIN by Michael Cochrane: A lyrical, meditative ballad that will have you humming for days. Available as a lead sheet or solo piano arrangement.

    Plus, a bonus! Sevens by Roland Alexander — as a lead sheet or a drum transcription of the incomparable Charli Persip!

    We hope you love these charts as much as we do! Let us know how you like them by tweeting us — @jazzleadsheets.

  • Happy 75th Birthday, Blue Note Records!

    On January 6, 1939, Blue Note Records was born when Alfred Lion brought pianists Albert Ammons and Meade Lux Lewis into the recording studio (probably WMGM Studio in NYC) and recorded 19 tracks. The first pressings on the Blue Note label became part of a 12” 78 rpm series. The very first pressing (BN-1) was Meade Lux Lewis’ solo performances of Melancholy on side 1A and Solitude on side 1B. On the 75th anniversary of these important recordings, jazzleadsheets.com is proud to make available piano transcription editions of these important Meade Lux Lewis works.

    Of course, music recorded in 1939 sounds very different from the music of today. However, in 1939, these two much in demand young pianists (in their early 30s) surely felt they were recording cutting edge music for the new young record producer in town, 30-year-old Alfred Lion. This experience took over Alfred Lion’s life and became the foundation for one of the most significant jazz record companies ever.

    Both of Meade Lux Lewis’ compositions explore the softer, slower side of boogie-woogie. The contrasts in textures, dynamics and techniques within each of these compositions is truly stunning, and we’ve captured it all here in our detailed piano transcriptions.

    Albert Ammons’ Changes In Boogie Woogie from this same historic session is also on jazzleadsheets.com. It’s a seven-chorus solo piano blues journey through six keys.

    1939 may have been 75 years ago, but with these transcriptions, you can relive history right at your own piano. So celebrate Blue Note’s 75th with us and check out these two historic compositions — we’re sure they won’t disappoint.

    P.S.: For our New York City area friends, be sure to check out Blue Note’s own celebratory concert on Wednesday, January 8, at Town Hall, featuring two innovative contemporary pianists, Robert Glasper and Jason Moran. Tickets are available here.

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