BEAU KOO JACK - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Beau Koo Jack" was composed by Louis Armstrong and Luis Russell in 1928. Written during Armstrong’s formative years in Chicago, the tune exemplifies the shift from traditional New Orleans ensemble jazz to the more solo-oriented swing style that would soon dominate the era.

The first recording was made by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra in December 1928 in Chicago for Okeh Records. Armstrong’s trumpet lead and scat phrasing defined the piece, while Russell’s band provided tight rhythmic support. The tune was later revisited by Armstrong in live performances throughout his career, each time slightly re-interpreted.

"Beau Koo Jack" follows a 32-bar AABA form with a driving swing feel and blues-inflected harmonies. Its energetic melodic lines and syncopated phrasing highlight Armstrong’s pioneering sense of rhythm and improvisation. The composition remains a vivid example of early swing innovation rooted in New Orleans jazz tradition.