WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW - Free Jazz Leadsheet

“when lights are low” (sometimes styled “When Lights Are Low”) is a jazz composition by Benny Carter, written in 1936. It has become a standard in both vocal and instrumental jazz repertoires.

The first recording was by Benny Carter himself, with his big band, soon after its composition. Since then, many artists — including Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, and Oscar Peterson — have performed or recorded it, contributing to its longevity in the jazz canon.

The song’s mood is relaxed and intimate, often performed as a ballad. Its harmonic structure features Carter’s sophisticated chord voicings, with space for melodic improvisation and subtle rhythmic interplay, making it a favorite for both small combos and larger ensembles.