Easy Living: E-Z Play Today

Holiday's interpretation of this standard sits at the intersection of sophistication and accessibility. The E-Z Play arrangement makes her iconic approach available to pianists still developing their jazz language, without sacrificing the harmonic richness or emotional weight that made the original recording unforgettable.

Relaxed sophistication with an undercurrent of longing. The melody floats easily over warm harmonies, inviting the player to find the pocket without overthinking it. There's room for subtle expression throughout.

Piano students ready to explore jazz standards with intention and pianists building a working repertoire of accessible swing-era material. This works equally well for supplementing jazz improvisation study or for adding a classic vocal standard to a student's performance folder.

• Let the natural curve of the melody breathe; resist the urge to subdivide or rush through longer note values.
• Pay attention to the rhythm section figures in the arrangement. They anchor the piece and create space for subtle rubato in the melody.
• Explore dynamic contrast across the form rather than playing through at a single volume level.

Pair this with other accessible standards for a jazz appreciation or vocal jazz unit. It also serves as an effective bridge piece between classical and jazz repertoire in a mixed recital, especially when students are still building confidence with swing rhythms and jazz voicings.

• Jazz phrasing and the relationship between melody and harmony
• Swing rhythm interpretation and rhythmic flexibility
• Dynamic control across a standard song form
• Voicing understanding through score study