THE THEME - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"The Theme" is a brief composition by Miles Davis, first appearing in recordings from his small-group performances of the early to mid-1950s. It functioned primarily as a closing tune during live sets, used to signal the end of a performance.

The earliest documented recordings include radio broadcasts and club sessions featuring musicians such as Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane in various lineups. The melody is compact and built on simple, repeated phrases.

Because of its functional purpose and concise structure, the tune became a recognizable sign-off number in Davis’s live repertoire. It remains part of jazz history as an example of informal performance practice rather than a typical standalone standard.