How Long Has This Been Going On? (From "Rosalie"): Lead Sheet

This collection gives guitarists direct access to over 100 Gershwin standards in lead sheet form, eliminating the need to hunt through fragmented sources or rely on incomplete transcriptions. The Gershwin estate's approval ensures accuracy and authenticity, making this the definitive resource for anyone serious about mastering this repertoire.

These songs pulse with the sophistication and rhythmic vitality that defined 1920s and 1930s popular music. The melodies sing with warmth and elegance, while the harmonies carry unexpected turns and jazz colorings that keep the music fresh even after decades of performance.

Guitarists working in jazz, standards, and pop contexts will find this an essential reference. Whether you're preparing for a jazz ensemble, building a solo repertoire, or accompanying singers, having 100+ Gershwin standards in one comb-bound collection eliminates guesswork and ensures you're working from accurate chord changes.

• Study the original song forms and harmonic structures before improvising; Gershwin's chord progressions reward close listening and respect for his compositional architecture.
• Pay attention to lyric placement and phrasing cues in the lead sheet; the melody's relationship to Ira Gershwin's words informs articulation and breathing even in instrumental settings.
• Use the chord symbols as a foundation for comping rather than a strict constraint; Gershwin standards invite sophisticated reharmonization and voice-leading exploration.
• Explore the melodic contours for their jazz inflections and chromaticism; these songs bridge popular song and jazz language in ways that require both precision and interpretive flexibility.

Feature individual Gershwin standards in jazz ensemble concerts or standards nights, drawing from this collection as a single trusted source. This resource also works well for small ensemble gigs, accompaniment situations, or as study material for guitarists preparing for auditions or session work in jazz and contemporary music contexts.

• Reading lead sheet notation and chord symbols across a wide range of harmonic complexity
• Understanding the intersection of popular song form and jazz harmony
• Developing flexibility in comping and reharmonization within a coherent style
• Memorizing and internalizing the melodic and harmonic language of American standards
• Building confidence with repertoire essential to professional guitar work in jazz and standards settings