Billie's Bounce (Jefferson)

'Billie's Bounce' is a jazz composition written in 1945 by saxophonist Charlie Parker in dedication of Billy Shaw by the Yardbird. It was first recorded by Charlie Parker and His Ree Boppers in November 1945 and released the next year on Savoy.

Lyrics were added much later by Eddie JEFFERSON:

I've overlooked so many things, through the years
Through my tears, through the years, then I went and opened my eyes
You were my idea, heaven with open arms
Now that I've found myself this once, I think that it is best
We build our little nest, hear the rest, yes it's best

I won't stop and think of the things I really couldn't do until I met you.
Please mama, listen to my plea, understand my love and you will find it true, love.
I want you to know just how I feel right from the start and hope that you feel the same.
I've never had the slighest doubt and hope I never will,
I pray our love will blossom with each thrill, 
I hope you feel the same, please baby don't let me linger.
Open up your soul when you open up your arms for me alone
Then I know I'll find a way to make it plain, I love you.

I thought of you, dear, 
You're the only one I've wanted since I have met you
And I need you every moment, mama, stay by my side.
I know we're meant to find true love, dear
I vow you'll never leave me once I have you.
I'll never know the song the bluebird sings when he's lonely.
Well... it'll have to be, can't you see, I did used to wander,
You can love me, tell me...do ya?
For it is true, dear, there's no other but ya.
Then I went and said it all over again,
The way you made me love you, it's a sin
...but what can I do?


Recordings exist by Eddie Jefferson w/ James Moody Orch (1956), Julie Christensen, Jeff Baker, Nancy Kelly, etc.

Moody's Mood for Love (Jefferson)

'I'm in the Mood for Love' is a 1935 pop standard written by Jimmy McHugh & Dorothy Fields. Jazz saxophonist James Moody's instrumental recording of 1949 inspired jazz singer Eddie Jefferson to write lyrics to his improvised sax solo, a practice known as vocalese.

Lyrics were added by Eddie JEFFERSON as 'Moody's Mood for Love':

There I go, there I go, there I go, there I go
Pretty baby, you are the soul who snaps my control
Such a funny thing but every time you're near me I never can behave
You give me a smile and then I'm wrapped up in your magic
There's music all around me, crazy music, 

Music that keeps calling me, so very close to you, turns me your slave

Come and do with me any little thing you want to

Anything baby, just let me get next to you
Am I insane or do I really see heaven in your eyes?
Bright as stars that shine up above you in the clear blue skies
How I worry about you, just can't live my life without you
Baby come here, don't have no fear
Oh, is there a wonder why, I'm really feeling in the mood for love?

So tell me why stop to think about this weather, my dear?

This little dream might fade away
There I go talking out of my head again, oh baby
Won't you come and put our two hearts together?
That would make me strong and brave
Oh when we are one, I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid
If there's a cloud up above us, go on and let it rain
I'm sure our love together will endure a hurricane
Oh my baby, won't you please let me love you
And give a relief from this awful misery?

What is all this talk about loving me, my sweet
I am not afraid, not anymore, not like before, don't you understand me?
Now baby, please pull yourself together, do it soon
My soul's on fire, come on and take me
I'll be what you make me, my darling, my dear/sweet

Oh baby, you make me feel so good, let me take you by the hand
Come let us visit out there in that new promised land
Maybe there we can find a good place to use a loving state of mind
I'm so tired of being without and never knowing what love's about

James Moody, you can come on in, man
And you can blow now if you want to, we're through.

Recordings exist by King Pleasure & Blossom Dearie w/ John Teacho & Band (1952), Eddie Jefferson w/ James Moody, Georgie Fame, Esther Phillips, Genya Ravan, Aretha Franklin, George Benson ft Patti Austin, Karin Krog, Richard 'Dimples' Fields ft Patrice Rushen, Mark Murphy, Lilian Terry w/ Dizzy Gillespie, Chuck Brown & The Soul Searchers, Mina, Sheena Easton, Van Morrison, Quincy Jones ft Brian McKnight, Rachelle Ferrell, Take 6 and James Moody, Lydia van Dam Group, Alexia Vassiliou, Bill Laswell, Amy Winehouse, Queen Latifah, Elliott Yamin, Smokey Robinson, Valeria Terruso, Maria Markesini, Cécile McLoren Salvant, Theo Croker ft Dee Dee Bridgewater, Angelica Matveeva, Roger Cicero Jazz Experience, etc.

Waltz for Debby (Lees)

'Waltz for Debby' is a jazz standard composed by Bill Evans. It was first recorded on Evans's 1956 album 'New Jazz Conceptions' as a short solo piece. The song title refers to Evans' niece.

Lyrics were first added in Swedish as 'Monicas Vals' by Beppe Wolgers in 1963.

The next year, English lyrics were written by Gene LEES:

In her own sweet world, 

populated by dolls and clowns
and a prince and a big purple bear,
lives my favorite girl, unaware of the worried frowns
that we weary grown-ups all wear

In the sun, she dances to silent music,
songs that are spun of gold, somewhere in her own little head

One day all too soon, 

she'll grow up and she'll leave her dolls
and her prince and her silly old bear
when she goes they will cry, as they whisper "Goodbye"
They will miss her, I fear, but then so will I

Recordings exist by Tony Bennett (1964), Rita Reys w/ Pim Jacobs Trio, Johnny Hartman, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett w/ Bill Evans, Dominic Alldis, The Real Group, Joe Coughlin, Tierney Sutton, Ligia Piro, Dina Blade, Al Jarreau, Joanna Eden Trio, Eliane Elias, Kenichiro Nishihara ft Maia Hirasawa, Francesca Tandoi Trio, Paul Jost, etc.

Ruby My Dear (Swisher)

'Ruby, My Dear' is a jazz ballad composed by Thelonious Monk. It was named after Rubie Richardson, Monk's first love and his older sister Marion's best friend. It was first recorded by him on October 24, 1947 for Blue Note Records.

Lyrics were added much later by Sally Swisher* as 'Dear Ruby':

Ruby, my dear, hold back that tear
I know he's gone, your love has flown, you're all alone

Oh, I know you cry, there's no reply
Pain lingers on, it doesn't go, cos you'll say so

One day, he came to you and made the music play in his way
You said you'd rather die than say goodbye

But there'll come a day, though he's away
You'll sing his song, you'll carry on, Ruby, my dear


Recordings exist by Carmen McRae (1988), Mette Rongved w/ Janne Persson, Denise Jannah, T.S. Monk ft. Kevin Mahogany, Melissa Walker, Philip Bailey, etc.

*Alternative lyric set as sung by Lina Nyberg (1993) & Letizia Onorati (2016), goes: ""we'll find a way, Ruby my dear, we'll make each day, I'll help you see, what life can be, etc" 

And the Melody Still Lingers On (Khan/Mardin)

'A Night in Tunisia' is an instrumental jazz standard written by Dizzy Gillespie in and around 1941/42 while he was playing with the Benny Carter Band. Frank Paparelli got co-writer credit in compensation for some unrelated transcription work, but he actually had nothing to do with the song. Gillespie himself called it 'Interlude', under which title it is sometimes recorded.

Lyrics added by Chaka KHAN & Arif MARDIN as 'And the Melody Still Lingers On':

A long time ago in the forties, Dizzy and Bird gave us this song
They called it "A Night in Tunisia" and the melody still lingers on

It was new and very strange, blew the squares right off the stage
Few could play along, but the melody still lingers on

Max and Miles to name just two, together they grew
The music was young and strong and the melody still lingers on

They paved the way for generations from Coltrane to Stevie
No one could stop the winds of change, without them where'd we be?

The duke and the pres were there before, the past you can't ignore
The torch is lit, we'll keep the flame and the melody remains the same

Recordings exist by Chaka Khan (1981), Bajazzo ft Pascal von Wroblewsky, Coco d'Or, etc.

A Night in Tunesia (Hendricks)

'A Night in Tunisia' is an instrumental jazz standard written by Dizzy Gillespie in and around 1941/42 while he was playing with the Benny Carter Band. Frank Paparelli got co-writer credit in compensation for some unrelated transcription work, but he actually had nothing to do with the song. Gillespie himself called it 'Interlude', under which title it is sometimes recorded.

Lyrics were added by Jon HENDRICKS*:

The moon is the same moon above you, aglow with its cool evening light
But shining at night in Tunisia, never does it shine so bright

The stars are aglow in the heavens, but only the wise understand
That shining at night in Tunisia, they guide you through the desert sand

Words fail, to tell a tale too exotic to be told
Each night's a deeper night in a world, ages old

The cares of the day seem to vanish, the ending of day brings release
Each wonderful night in Tunisia, where the nights are filled with peace


Recordings exist by Ella Fitzgerald (1961), Ada Lee, June Christy, Rio Nido, Mina, Lou Lanza, Ron Kaplan, Paula West, Victor Fields, Kimiko Itoh, Bonnie J. Jensen, Eileen Howard, Joanna Eden Trio, Judy Niemack, Anna Nygren, Miriam Aïda, Harold Sanditen, etc.

* In 1985 Hendricks wrote a second set of lyrics as 'Another Night in Tunesia', recorded by Bobby McFerrin & The Manhattan Transfer.

A Night in Tunisia / Interlude (Leveen)

'A Night in Tunisia' is an instrumental jazz standard written by Dizzy Gillespie in and around 1941/42 while he was playing with the Benny Carter Band. Frank Paparelli got co-writer credit in compensation for some unrelated transcription work, but he actually had nothing to do with the song. Gillespie himself called it 'Interlude', under which title it is sometimes recorded.

Lyrics were soon added by Raymond LEVEEN as 'Interlude':

I lived in a dream for a moment, we loved in a moonlight solitude
When I never knew at the moment, love was just an interlude

I thrill as your arms would unfold me, a kiss of surrender set the mood
Then heaven fell down when you told me, love was a passin' interlude

The magic, was unsurpassed, too good to last
The magic, my heart once knew, was drenched/dressed in blue

The shadow of night all around me, I walk in a moonlight solitude
When I thought romance really found me, love was just an interlude


Recordings exist by Sarah Vaughan (1945), Anita O'Day, Jamie Cullum, Ann Hampton Callaway, etc.

Straight No Chaser (Thomas)

'Straight No Chaser' is a jazz standard composed by pianist Thelonious Monk. It was first recorded by his quintet feat. Art Blakey, Sahib Shihab, Al McKibbon and Milt Jackson in July 1951 for release on Blue Note.

Lyrics were much later added by Leon THOMAS*:

Came to this town, I started movin' around
I came to get straight, I had to get straight, no time to wait
God knows I had to make haste
Do things a movin', no time for doodlin'
I used to wonder how when ev'rything seemed profound
Within my head, I had to get straight

It's straighten up time, no time for chasin' around
Tryin' to keep up, I gotta keep up, you wanna know why
Because they're waiting in line
I'm in a hurry, no time to worry
You see to me it really matters what comes
It really does and so, I'm chasin' it straight


Recordings exist by Leon Thomas w/ Oliver Nelson (1970), Rachel Gould w/ Chet Baker, Molly Holm, etc.

*Alternative lyric set by Ben Sidran ("You Better look out, you better look where you leap")
*Alternative lyric set by Gene McDaniels ("I went to a bar, I didn't have to go far")
*Alternative lyric set by Sally Swisher (see: 'Get It Straight')

Get It Straight (Swisher)

'Straight No Chaser' is a jazz standard composed by pianist Thelonious Monk. It was first recorded by his quintet feat. Art Blakey, Sahib Shihab, Al McKibbon and Milt Jackson in July 1951 for release on Blue Note.

Lyrics were much later added by Sally SWISHER as 'Get It Straight':

Well Monk set it straight
It's not a time when you wait
You gotta be on, you gotta be strong
The time is here, so trust your life to your ear
Don't wait for no one, they'll have to grow on
Because the homeland is the place where it happens
And there's no one who can help you to straight
No, no, no, no...

This Monk had a way
Of being out of his day, ahead of his time
Not in the same rhyme with other guys
He was uncommonly wise
He knew the answer, that time's a dancer
He knew you can't back up the moment
And take it with you, on the road, 
So now is the time, yeah...


Recordings exist by Carmen McRae (1990), Kate McGarry, Kristin Korb, Karrin Allyson, Andy Bey, Jamie Davis, etc.

*Alternative lyric set by Ben Sidran ("You Better look out, you better look where you leap")
*Alternative lyric set by Gene McDaniels ("I went to a bar, I didn't have to go far")
*Alternative lyric set by Leon Thomas (see: 'Straight No Chaser')

Up Jumped Spring (Lincoln)

'Up Jumped Spring' is a jazz tune written in waltz time by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. It was first recorded by Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in March 1962 for release on the United Artists album '3 Blind Mice'.

Lyrics were added much later by Abbey LINCOLN*:

I was out promenadin' and high hopes was fadin'
That dreams never really come true
When up jumped Springtime, I got a look at you

All at once it was heady, a gaze long and steady
Made sounds of the patter grow dim
And up jumped Springtime and love came on in

Now my heart wants to cheer,
Life's sweet promise is here
And love is a lov-er-ly thing

And we're sweethearts together, like bird and the feather
Our love is as free as the wind
'Cause up jumped Springtime, so hello, my friend

Recordings exist by Abbey Lincoln ft Stan Getz (1991), Marit Sandvik, Anne Ducros, Linda Purl, Maggie Green, Carolyn Graye w/ Jessica Williams, Maddy Winer w/ Cyrus Chestnut, Virginie Teychené, Miranda Sage, etc.

*Alt. lyric set by Ben Sidran: "Without a word of warning, the blues came this morning, and I laid down..."
??? - Mieko Hirota on 1973 album 'Jazz Time' Columbia / Master Sonic NCB 7022
??? - Cassandra Wilson on 1985 album 'Newyorker in a Sentimental Mood' JAL - Jar 11

How I Wish (Hendricks)

'Ask Me Now' is a 1951 instrumental jazz standard written by pianist Thelonious Monk.

Lyrics were added much later by Jon HENDRICKS as 'How I Wish':

Once you said you loved me, placed no one above me 
Prayed for me to make that vow 
What dumb thing did I say, so busy being blasé 
How I wish you'd ask me now 

I was vain and blind then, prone to be unkind then 
Wish they'd turn back time somehow 
Then I was audacious, I ignored what was precious 
How I wish you'd ask me now 

I thought then I'd always be, all footloose and fancy free 
How could I have been so blind 
What I once made light of, turns out to be true love 

Once my ego ruled me, flattered me and fooled me 
More times than the laws allow 
You asked me could I care, my attention was elsewhere 
How I wish you'd ask me now


Recordings exist by Carmen McRae (1988), Maria Anadon, Karrin Allyson, Giacomo Gates, Jeffery Smith & Dianne Reeves, Donna Byrne, Rachel Brand, Reija Lang Trio, etc.

Turn Out the Stars (Lees)

'Turn Out the Stars' is a 1966 jazz instrumental composed by pianist Bill Evans.

Lyrics were added later by Gene LEES:

Turn out the stars, turn out the stars
Let eternal darkness hide me, if I can't have you beside me
Put out their fires, their endless splendour
Only reminds me of your tenderness

Stop the oceans roar, don't let the rivers run
Let me hear no more, the wondrous music of a skylark in the sun
Let it be done

Turn out the stars, turn out the stars
Shut off their light, stop every comet in its magic lonely flight
Let there be night, turn out the stars


Recordings exist by Meredith d'Ambrosio (1988), Madeline Eastman, Dominic Alldis, Luca Lapenna, Karen Gallinger, Tierney Sutton, Tina May, The Kelsey Jillette Group, Down 4 The Count, Joan Diaz Trio ft. Silvia Pérez, Karrin Allyson, Liane Carroll ft. Kirk Whalum, Emily McEwan, Johanna Schneider Quartet, Giorgia Sallustio, etc.

All Blues (Brown Jr)

'All Blues' is a 1959 instrumental jazz standard written by Miles Davis. It was first recorded by him on April 22, 1959 and released on his classic album 'Kind of Blue' for Blue Note.

Lyrics were added later by Oscar BROWN Jr:

The sea, the sky and you and I.
Sea and sky and you and I, we are all blues, 
All shades, all hues... yeah, we are all blues.

Some blues are sad and some blues are glad.
Dark and sad, oh, bright and glad, we are all blues.
All shades, all hues... yeah, we are all blues.


Recordings exist by Oscar Brown Jr (1962), Karin Krog, Rachel Gould, Ernestine Anderson, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kitty Margolis, Kevin Mahogany, Lina Nyberg Quintet, Vox One, Fay Victor, Maggie Green, Cynthia Felton, Karin Ottelohe, etc.

Shiny Stockings (Fitzgerald)

'Shiny Stockings' is a 1955 jazz piece written by tenor saxophonist Frank Foster as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra, making the first recording on January 4, 1956 for release on Verve Records.

Lyrics were added later by Ella FITZGERALD:

Those silk shiny stockings that I wear when I'm with you
I wear cause you told me that you dig that crazy hue
Do we think of romance, when we go to a dance?
Oh no! You take a glance, at those shiny stockings

Then came along some chick with great big stockings too
When you changed your mind about me, why I never knew
I guess I'll have to find, a new, a new kind
A (new) guy who digs my shiny stockings too!


Recordings exist by Ella & Basie (1963), Sarah Vaughan, Karin Krog & Dexter Gordon, Kimiko Kasai, June Katz, Laura Garam, Ewa Bem, Mind Games, Virginie Teychené, etc.

Shiny Stockings (Hendricks)

'Shiny Stockings' is a 1955 jazz piece written by tenor saxophonist Frank Foster as a member of the Count Basie Orchestra, making the first recording on January 4, 1956 for release on Verve Records.

Lyrics were added later by Jon HENDRICKS:

I walk with my baby and I know in nothin' flat
She's got something mellow, lots of fellows whistle at
When we go for a walk, I know, soon as we're out
With no shadow of doubt, she's got, lots to be proud of.

I'm hip, I'm lucky to have, someone/a woman so endowed;
A girl, half as lovely would make lots of fellows proud
I'm crazy 'bout all of her charms, but one's really a ball:
I love those shiny stockings most/best of all.

Every man will eyeball if/whatever he can
But one thing all men dig is a real shapely leg
Oh really, oh really, oh really, oh really, oh really, oh really, oh really

Oh yeah, what do they think of that, where to they think we're at?
A woman has got to pretty up and tend to business
Make sure she's catchin' an eye!
The fellows all get to diggin' but they never know what they're diggin' about
A woman has really got to wail at always lookin' her very best
She must be up to par without fail
Otherwise, her old man's eyes will start to wonder
And is it any wonder?

Men go for prettines, this I must confess
Dig a pretty face, dig a pretty dress, but they like a pretty leg best
And that's the reason my/those stockings shine...
'Cause they appeal to these eyes of mine
I love it when she says "I'm gonna stick around and love you babe"
I'm certain if I can keep her home from roamin' she'll remain 

And I'll be wonderin' why a woman that's lookin' as good as her is by my side
She's fine: yes, my baby is fine 
And she's all mine, what a lucky guy am I?
I'm prouder than can be, that she only digs me
'Cause anyone can see, she's a real sensation.

Yeah, one thing certain I know,
I love her so, and I'll never let her go.
I'm crazy 'bout her charms, but one is a really ball:
I love those shiny stocking best of all.

Them shiny stockings, 
Just looking thrills me, that sight fulfills me.
My girl stays in fashion, but she'll really arouse my passion,
When she wears those shiny stockings she wears.

Them shiny stockings,
Just digging gets me, that sight upsets me,
Make no bones about them, I'm no good without them,
Cause I love those shiny stockings, yes I do.
Yes, I love theme shiny stockings really, I do.
Yes, I do, surely I do, Yeah!


Recordings exist by Lambert-Hendricks-Bavan (1963), Burton Cummings, The Ritz, Jon Hendricks ft. Michele Hendricks, Jenny Evans w/ Dusko Goykovich, etc.