BACK BAY SHUFFLE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Back Bay Shuffle" was composed by Artie Shaw and recorded by his orchestra in 1938. The piece became one of Shaw’s early hits and exemplifies the vibrant swing era sound with its driving rhythm and catchy horn riffs. The title references Boston’s Back Bay district, reflecting the composer’s playful blending of jazz sophistication and urban energy.

The first recording, made by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra in New York City, featured a tight ensemble arrangement with lively clarinet passages and rhythmic brass punctuations. It was a dance favorite at the time, showcasing Shaw’s smooth tone and his orchestra’s precision.

Later recordings by bands such as the BBC Big Band and the Glenn Miller Orchestra paid homage to Shaw’s original, often expanding the arrangement with contemporary textures. The tune’s AABA structure and brisk tempo make it ideal for showcasing soloists and for highlighting the rhythmic interplay between sections.