NUAGES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“Nuages” was composed by Django Reinhardt in 1940, becoming one of the signature pieces of gypsy jazz. Its title, meaning “clouds” in French, reflects the composition’s impressionistic, lyrical quality.

The first recording was made in Paris with Reinhardt on guitar and Stéphane Grappelli on violin, capturing a delicate swing feel combined with harmonic sophistication. The tune follows a 32-bar AABA structure with flowing melodic lines over chromatic chord changes.

Later recordings by modern gypsy jazz ensembles and orchestras have maintained its status as a standard. The melody conveys introspection and poetic melancholy, offering performers ample opportunity for expressive interpretation and ornamentation.