GULF COAST BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

gulf coast blues is a traditional blues tune popularized by Lead Belly in the 1930s. Its relaxed groove and evocative melody made it a favorite for both vocalists and instrumentalists.

The first recording was by Lead Belly in New York City, 1935, featuring his distinctive twelve-string guitar and emotive vocal style. Structurally, it follows a 12-bar blues progression with opportunities for improvisation and rhythmic variation.

Later renditions by jazz and blues musicians highlighted its swinging, narrative character. Lyrically, it recounts life and work along the Gulf Coast, combining humor, resilience, and local colour.