BE BOP - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Be-Bop" was composed by Dizzy Gillespie in 1942, one of the earliest pieces to define the emerging bebop style. Written as both a title and manifesto, the tune embodies the fast tempos, complex chord changes, and rhythmic freedom that characterized the new post-swing sound.

The first recording was made by Dizzy Gillespie and His All-Star Quintet in New York City in 1945, featuring Charlie Parker on alto saxophone. Their fiery performance showcased the technical virtuosity and harmonic innovation that would reshape modern jazz. The tune quickly became a symbol of the movement itself, covered by Bud Powell, Dexter Gordon, and countless others.

Musically, "Be-Bop" follows a 32-bar form built on rhythm changes, with angular melodic leaps and rapid chromatic passages. Its energetic phrasing and unpredictable accents challenge performers while rewarding precision and creativity. The song remains both a historic landmark and a test piece for bebop musicians.