Easy Living: Ukulele

Billie Holiday's "Easy Living" gives ukulele students access to genuine jazz repertoire without requiring advanced harmonic literacy. The tune's conversational melody and warm character translate beautifully to the instrument, making it an ideal bridge between simple folk song arrangements and more sophisticated jazz standards.

"Easy Living" settles into your fingers like a comfortable conversation. The melody sits naturally on the ukulele, allowing you to focus on the emotional contours of the tune rather than wrestling with the instrument. It has a gentle, introspective quality that rewards careful listening and thoughtful interpretation.

Ukulele students ready to explore jazz standards with real melodic and harmonic substance. This works for intermediate players seeking repertoire that deepens their understanding of phrasing and jazz interpretation without overwhelming technical demands.

• Lean into the laid-back quality of the tune by playing slightly behind the beat, particularly on sustained notes; this creates the intimate, unhurried feel that defines the piece.
• Shape the melody with dynamic nuance rather than strict volume. Let phrases breathe by softening the end of each idea before moving to the next one.
• Pay attention to how chord changes land under specific lyric moments. This alignment between harmony and text will guide your phrasing choices naturally.

Feature this in a jazz or popular standards showcase where it can anchor a set of classic tunes. It also serves as an excellent solo piece for students demonstrating their growth in phrasing and interpretation, or pair it with other Billie Holiday songs for a focused program on jazz vocal standards.

• Jazz phrasing and behind-the-beat timing
• Shaping melodies through dynamic control and breath placement
• Interpreting standard chord progressions with voice leading awareness
• Connecting lyrical content to melodic and harmonic choices