CORNET CHOP SUEY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Cornet Chop Suey” was composed by the legendary Louis Armstrong in 1926 and first recorded with his groundbreaking Hot Five ensemble. The tune highlights Armstrong’s virtuosic cornet technique, blending rapid-fire runs, expressive phrasing, and playful melodic lines that capture the energy of early New Orleans jazz.

The piece features innovative ensemble breaks, call-and-response sections, and clever rhythmic surprises that were pioneering for the era. Its sophisticated structure and improvisational approach helped establish Armstrong as a central figure in jazz history, influencing generations of jazz musicians and shaping the development of solo performance.

Recorded during Armstrong’s prolific Hot Five period, “Cornet Chop Suey” exemplifies his ability to combine technical mastery with joyful musical storytelling. It remains a cornerstone of early jazz repertoire and a must-study piece for cornet and trumpet players interested in the roots of jazz improvisation.