DETOUR-AHEAD - Free Jazz Leadsheet

detour ahead was composed by Lou Carter, Herb Ellis, and Johnny Frigo in 1948. Its reflective lyrics and elegant melody have made it a standard in the jazz repertoire, inviting lyrical improvisation and nuanced interpretation.

The first known recording was by Johnny Smith and his trio in the late 1940s, setting the tone for its reputation as a sophisticated, contemplative piece. Structurally, the song features gentle modulations and flowing chord changes that support vocal and instrumental storytelling alike.

Over the decades, the tune has been revisited by artists such as Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, who highlighted its romantic and wistful qualities. The song’s theme centers on emotional hesitation and the twists of romantic life, providing performers with a rich canvas for expressive phrasing.