THE CHANT - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"The Chant" was composed by Jelly Roll Morton and first recorded in 1926 in Chicago by Morton’s Red Hot Peppers. The recording exemplified Morton’s intricate approach to early jazz arranging, blending composed ensemble passages with space for improvisation.

Later revival groups kept the tune alive, drawn to its merging of Latin rhythmic influences with New Orleans-style polyphony. Built from several contrasting strains, the piece highlights Morton’s trademark balance of structure and spontaneity, contributing to its ongoing status as a showcase for traditional jazz ensembles.