AGGRAVATIN' PAPA - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Written by Jelly Roll Morton and recorded in 1921, 'Aggravatin' Papa' was first performed by Morton’s Red Hot Peppers in Chicago, showcasing early jazz piano, playful rhythms, and Morton’s witty compositional style.

The song has been revived in traditional jazz circles, often performed by small ensembles that emphasize its humor and rhythmic drive. Lyrically, it tells a tongue-in-cheek story of a troublesome yet endearing father figure.

Structurally, it follows a ragtime-influenced 16-bar pattern with syncopated melodies and lively rhythmic breaks, making it an engaging piece for both improvisation and ensemble interplay.