ECHOES OF HARLEM - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"echoes of harlem" was composed by Duke Ellington in 1936. The piece celebrates the vibrancy and cultural richness of Harlem through evocative orchestration and melodic interplay, capturing the spirit of the neighborhood in sound.

The first recording was by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra in New York, featuring Ellington’s piano and a combination of reeds and brass creating layered textures. Later recordings by jazz orchestras and small groups have maintained its place as a standard.

Musically, the composition features a swing-based structure with call-and-response sections and memorable riff patterns, providing both room for improvisation and ensemble cohesion.