BUDDY BOLDEN'S BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“buddy bolden’s blues” (also titled “i thought i heard buddy bolden say”) is credited to jelly roll morton and was recorded on December 16, 1939, in New York City. The piece memorialises trumpeter charles “buddy” bolden and his early New Orleans style and has been revived repeatedly by jazz musicians paying homage to the roots of jazz.

The lyric theme captures reflection and tribute, blending anecdotal humour and historic reverence. Musically, the tune retains a blues spine with melodic riffs and ensemble interplay typical of early New Orleans jazz, offering performers space for solos and collective ensemble phrasing.