OLD DEVIL MOON - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Old Devil Moon” was composed by Burton Lane with lyrics by Yip Harburg for the 1947 musical "Finian’s Rainbow." The tune became a favorite in the jazz repertoire due to its memorable melody and swinging rhythm.

The first recording was made by Frank Sinatra with orchestral backing, highlighting the song’s lyrical charm and harmonic richness. It follows a 32-bar AABA structure, allowing for improvisation and dynamic phrasing.

Jazz interpretations by Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Oscar Peterson have emphasized the tune’s fluid melodic line, syncopated rhythms, and expressive possibilities, making it a standard for both instrumentalists and vocalists.