DO WHAT ORY SAYS - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"do what ory says" was composed by Kid Ory in 1922, one of the foundational figures of early New Orleans jazz. The tune exemplifies Ory’s approach to ensemble playing, with a strong rhythmic drive and opportunities for melodic improvisation.

The first recording was made by Kid Ory’s Creole Jazz Band in Los Angeles, featuring Ory on trombone with clarinet, cornet, and rhythm section. Subsequent recordings by Dixieland revival bands in the 1940s and 1950s have kept the piece alive, often highlighting its infectious swing and playful call-and-response patterns.

Musically, the piece follows a blues-inflected structure, with flexible phrasing for solos, making it a favorite for small-group performances and traditional jazz ensembles.