NEW ORLEANS - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“New Orleans” was composed by Hoagy Carmichael in 1932. Originally released as a popular song, it has since been embraced by jazz musicians and become a recognized jazz standard.

The first recordings appeared in that same year, including an up‑tempo version by Bennie Moten’s Kansas City Orchestra. Carmichael later recorded a slower rendition with vocalist Ella Logan, bringing out the song’s nostalgic, blues‑inflected character. Musically, the piece features a 32‑bar structure with chord changes drawn from other standards, and its melody combines wistful lyricism with rhythmic sophistication. The lyrics evoke a longing for the city’s atmosphere, while its harmonic form provides ample space for both vocal and instrumental improvisation.