LONESOME - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Lonesome” is an alternate title for Sidney Bechet’s composition “Si tu vois ma mère,” written in 1923. The piece is a quintessential example of early New Orleans-style jazz, showcasing Bechet’s virtuoso soprano saxophone and clarinet playing, along with a lyrical, blues-inflected melody.

The first known recordings were made by Bechet himself in the early 1920s, capturing both his improvisational skill and expressive phrasing. Over time, the tune has been interpreted by numerous traditional jazz musicians, maintaining its reputation as a reflective, melodic standard. Its musical structure typically features a simple 32-bar form, allowing for both ensemble interplay and individual improvisation.