BLACK BEAUTY - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Black Beauty" was composed by Duke Ellington in 1928 and first recorded by his orchestra in New York City. The piece showcased the talents of the ensemble’s soloists, blending lyrical passages with blues influences.

It has been featured in later Ellington albums and by modern jazz groups, often as a showcase for expressive instrumental interpretation.

The music conveys a deep, soulful character without lyrics, relying on the melodic lines and harmonic progressions to communicate mood. Its form includes slow blues elements with space for emotive phrasing and interplay among instruments.