I'SE A MUGGIN' - Free Jazz Leadsheet

Written in 1924 by Fats Waller and Andy Razaf, "i'se a muggin'" is a lively stride piano piece with playful lyrics reflecting early jazz humor and rhythmic exuberance. Its catchy melody and syncopated rhythm made it a popular tune in Harlem’s jazz scene.

The first recording was by Fats Waller in New York in 1924, featuring his virtuosic piano and vocal performance. Subsequent recordings by Louis Armstrong and other jazz luminaries highlighted its improvisational potential and enduring appeal.

The lyrics use playful wordplay and humorous storytelling, while musically, the piece features stride piano patterns, syncopated rhythms, and a flexible 32-bar form that invites creative interpretation by both vocalists and instrumentalists.