FREEZE AN' MELT - Free Jazz Leadsheet

freeze an' melt was composed by Jelly Roll Morton in 1926 and is recognized for its elegant ragtime-influenced melody and flexible swing feel. Its structure allows both ensemble and solo improvisation, making it a favorite in early jazz and small-group settings.

The first recording was made by Morton’s Red Hot Peppers in Chicago in 1926, highlighting the interplay between piano, cornet, and clarinet. The tune is built on a multi-strain ragtime form with syncopated melodies and frequent call-and-response motifs.

Later revivals by jazz historians and swing ensembles have preserved its lively character. Instrumentally focused, the piece showcases rhythmic creativity and the playful dialogue between melody and accompaniment, making it a standout in early jazz repertoire.