TICKLE-TOE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“tickle toe” was composed by Lester Young around 1940 and became one of his signature pieces. The definitive recording was made by Count Basie and His Orchestra on March 19, 1940, in New York City, featuring Young on tenor saxophone.

Over the years, the tune has been interpreted by artists including Art Pepper and Cy Touff with Sandy Mosse. Originally instrumental, the title evokes a playful, light-footed feeling. Musically, it is a fast-swinging piece built on a 32-bar structure with walking bass lines and call-and-response horn riffs, leaving ample space for solos before returning to the main theme.