WABASH BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“wabash blues” is a jazz standard composed in 1921 by Fred Meinken, with lyrics by Dave Ringle. It became popular through recordings by Isham Jones and his Orchestra, among others. The tune reflects early jazz’s blending of blues and dance music sensibilities.

The melody is smooth and lyrical, while the blues-inflected harmony provides a foundation for improvisation. Its enduring appeal lies in the balance of structured melody and space for expressive interpretation, making it a staple for both traditional jazz bands and contemporary performers exploring early jazz repertoire.