Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This Cole Porter standard distills itself to its essential architecture in lead sheet form, revealing the harmonic sophistication that makes jazz standards so valuable for teaching improvisation. Kenton's legacy reminds us that jazz piano and voice work best when grounded in a clear, singable melody supported by rich harmonic movement.

Bittersweet and introspective, with a melody that lingers in the mind long after the last note. The Porter text captures the weight of farewell, and the harmonic palette supports that emotional truthfulness while remaining accessible and singable.

Pianists and keyboardists working toward jazz fluency, vocalists building their standards repertoire, and any musician ready to explore how a single-page lead sheet can open doors to improvisation and arrangement. It serves teachers and serious students equally well.

• Pay attention to the lyrical shape of the melody, especially the descending phrase that gives the song its emotional weight. Sing or play it as a long line rather than a series of individual notes.
• Treat the harmonic changes as conversational partners to the melody. The richness of this standard lives in how the chords support and sometimes surprise the vocal line.
• If accompanying a vocalist, establish the tempo and feel early and stay grounded; this piece rewards clarity and space more than complexity.

Pair this with other Porter standards or classic jazz repertoire in a cabaret-style showcase or jazz ensemble concert. It works equally well as a featured vocal number or as a vehicle for a pianist to demonstrate jazz comping skills and harmonic understanding.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation and chord symbols
• Understanding jazz harmony and voice leading in a standard
• Improvising melody and comping over a fixed harmonic structure
• Coordinating melody, harmony, and accompaniment in small ensemble settings
• Developing interpretive choices within the structure of a well-known work