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Following Standards pt4 - Guest Kam David

"Blues for Alice" is one of the most celebrated and harmonically sophisticated blues compositions by legendary alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. Written and first recorded in 1951, the tune is renowned for its “Bird blues” changes—a highly inventive variation on the classic 12-bar blues progression. Instead of the traditional blues form, Parker introduces a series of quick, chromatic II-V progressions that provide both a challenge and a thrill for jazz musicians.

Despite its technical demands, “Blues for Alice” maintains a soulful, lyrical quality that embodies Parker’s genius for blending complexity with emotion. The song is named in honor of Alice Roberts, a dancer at the Savoy Ballroom and a friend of Parker’s. “Blues for Alice” is a staple in the jazz repertoire, admired for its beautiful melody, harmonic richness, and the opportunities it offers for creative improvisation.

Fun fact: The “Bird blues” progression introduced in this piece has influenced countless jazz compositions and is often used as a study tool for advanced improvisers looking to master bebop harmony.

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Blues for Alice - C. Parker

"But Not For Me" is a classic American song composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by his brother Ira Gershwin. Written for the 1930 musical Girl Crazy, the song was originally performed by Ginger Rogers on Broadway. With its memorable melody and witty, bittersweet lyrics, "But Not For Me" quickly became a standard of the Great American Songbook.

The song’s theme of unrequited love—delivered with Ira Gershwin’s clever wordplay and George Gershwin’s elegant harmonies—has made it a favorite for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Over the decades, it’s been recorded by countless artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan. Each interpretation highlights the song’s versatility, whether as a soulful ballad or a swinging jazz tune.

Fun fact: Ella Fitzgerald’s 1959 recording of “But Not For Me” won her a Grammy Award, cementing the song’s place as a jazz vocal masterpiece.

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But not For Me - G. Gershwin

Warm in December - Giulia Sarti

Discover more reative arrangements by visiting my website: https://ricardofarao.com
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"Blues March" is an iconic jazz composition by tenor saxophonist Benny Golson, first recorded in 1958 by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers on their legendary album Moanin’. The tune is famous for its unique blend of gospel-inspired blues with the rhythmic swagger of a traditional military march. Golson wrote “Blues March” specifically for The Jazz Messengers, seeking to capture the soulful feeling of a marching band procession combined with hard bop’s improvisational flair.

The composition’s structure alternates between stately march rhythms and swinging jazz sections, making it both instantly memorable and an audience favorite. “Blues March” has become a jazz standard, performed and recorded by countless artists and big bands, and remains a must-play for jazz ensembles around the world.

Fun fact: Benny Golson’s writing for The Jazz Messengers helped define the sound of hard bop. “Blues March” was so successful that it was later adopted as a signature tune by marching bands, bridging the worlds of jazz and American parade music.

Blues March - B. Golson

When I Fall In Love

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"Body and Soul" is one of the most beloved and recorded standards in the jazz repertoire, composed by Johnny Green in 1930, with lyrics by Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, and Frank Eyton. The song debuted in the Broadway revue Three’s a Crowd and became an instant hit, celebrated for its haunting melody and deeply romantic lyrics. Over the decades, it’s been interpreted by a wide range of artists, including Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Coleman Hawkins, Louis Armstrong, John Coltrane, and countless more.

Coleman Hawkins’ 1939 saxophone recording of “Body and Soul” is particularly legendary: his improvised solo elevated the tune from popular ballad to a cornerstone of jazz expression, setting a new standard for harmonic sophistication and melodic invention. The song’s lush chord changes and expressive melody make it a favorite vehicle for both vocal and instrumental improvisation.

Fun fact: “Body and Soul” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and remains one of the most performed songs in jazz history. Its universal themes of longing, love, and vulnerability continue to resonate with musicians and listeners alike.

Body and Soul - J. Green

How Did She Look

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Discover more jazz classics and creative arrangements by visiting my website: ricardofarao.com

"A – You’re Adorable", also known as The Alphabet Song, was written by Buddy Kaye, Fred Wise, and Sidney Lippman in 1948. The song quickly charmed audiences with its playful use of the alphabet to deliver heartfelt compliments, making it a favorite for both children and adults. Perry Como’s 1949 recording—featuring The Fontane Sisters—became an instant hit, climbing the Billboard charts and cementing the song as a beloved American standard.

The clever lyrics use each letter from A to Z to express affection, creating a light-hearted, upbeat atmosphere perfect for singalongs, educational settings, and even jazz interpretations. Over the years, “A – You’re Adorable” has been covered by a variety of artists and has become a staple in both children’s music collections and nostalgic retro playlists.

Fun fact: Although popularized by Perry Como, the song has seen renditions in cartoons, television shows, and classroom singalongs, reflecting its enduring appeal and catchy, memorable melody.

A - You're Adorable - Kaye, Wise & Lippman

Please Send Me Someone to Love

I am a pianist and vocalist performing around the New York City area.

The bible teaching ministry of Pastor Ray Jensen at Calvary Chapel Set For Life of Alvin, Texas.

New tracks tagged #standard