Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea (from Rhythmania): E-Z Play Today

A swinging, wry number with a classic tin Pan Alley sensibility. The melody has personality and humor, while the harmony keeps listeners grounded in solid jazz vocabulary.

Elementary and early intermediate pianists ready to explore jazz standards in an accessible format. This works well for students developing jazz sensibility and wanting real repertoire that sounds mature without requiring advanced technique.

• Keep the tempo steady and conversational; this tune breathes at a moderate swing tempo, not a race.
• Let the melody speak clearly, especially in the opening phrase where the title gets stated. The lyrics matter even when you're playing piano solo.
• Shape the left hand lightly so it doesn't overwhelm the right hand melody; the accompaniment is there to support, not compete.

Pair this with other standards from the same era in a recital celebrating American songwriting. It also makes an excellent standalone solo for intermediate students in a casual concert setting where the focus is on style and interpretation rather than technical fireworks.

• swing rhythm and jazz articulation
• playing from lead sheet voicings
• balancing melody and accompaniment texture
• phrasing and interpretation of standards