IN THE STILL OF THE NIGHT - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Composed by Cole Porter in 1937, "in the still of the night" is a lush, romantic ballad celebrated for its harmonic sophistication and lyrical beauty. Its intimate, reflective character made it a favorite among jazz vocalists and instrumentalists.

Early recordings by Tommy Dorsey and later by Frank Sinatra highlighted the song’s evocative emotional depth. Jazz interpretations allowed performers to explore the tune’s chromatic harmonies and melodic subtleties.

The lyrics convey quiet introspection and romantic longing, while the musical structure offers ample space for expressive phrasing and improvisational interpretation.