WEST INDIES BLUES - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“west indies blues” was composed by Clarence Williams and published in 1923. It is rooted in the early jazz and blues tradition, with lyrics that reflect themes of diaspora and identity. The song’s creation coincided with a rise in West Indian immigration to the United States, and it carries a cultural resonance tied to that experience.

The first recordings came soon after publication, with several artists of the era taking it up: among them were the orchestras of Armand J. Piron and Fletcher Henderson, as well as a novelty band called the Jamaica Jazzers. Vocal versions followed, including renditions by Clara Smith, Rosa Henderson, Viola McCoy, and others

Musically, the song combines a blues-inflected melody with early jazz orchestration. Its structure allows for both ensemble playing and individual vocal interpretation. The lyrics express a longing for homeland and a strong sense of cultural pride, making it both a personal and communal statement.