WHEN THE SAINTS - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“when the saints (go marching in)” is a traditional gospel hymn whose exact origins are uncertain, though it became widely known in New Orleans in the early 20th century and has since been adopted as a jazz standard.

Its first commercial jazz recordings appeared in the 1920s and 1930s, performed by brass bands and early jazz ensembles. Over time, it has been performed by countless artists, from Louis Armstrong to marching bands and modern jazz groups.

The song’s lyrical theme is rooted in spiritual aspiration and communal celebration, imagining a joyful afterlife where believers march in. Musically, it is characterized by a simple, repetitive melody, a strong rhythmic pulse, and room for improvisation — making it highly adaptable to brass, swing, and New Orleans-style jazz.