Lisbon Antigua (In Old Lisbon): E-Z Play Today

Riddle's arrangement of this Latin standard brings sophisticated swing sensibilities to a Portuguese melody, creating a hybrid that feels both authentically orchestral and deeply jazz-rooted. The piano part sits comfortably within a two-page format while maintaining enough harmonic interest to engage serious students and keep them listening during performance.

Warm and nostalgic, with the gentle sway of a Mediterranean breeze filtered through a sophisticated New York recording studio. The piece carries an easy elegance that suggests travel and romance without relying on cliché.

Students developing comfort with jazz chord symbols and Latin rhythms will find this accessible yet musically substantial. Pianists seeking standard repertoire that bridges classical training and jazz vocabulary will appreciate Riddle's orchestral sensibility translated to a solo instrument.

• Support the Latin rhythmic undercurrent by feeling the clave pattern beneath the written melody, even if it's not explicitly notated
• Treat the left hand as a conversational partner to the melody rather than mere accompaniment; Riddle's bass lines suggest harmonic movement and deserve attention
• Balance rubato sparingly; this arrangement works best when you commit to the groove rather than pulling against it

This works well as a solo feature in a jazz or cabaret-style concert, or as an interlude between more formally structured pieces. It pairs naturally with other mid-century standards and can anchor a set focusing on orchestral jazz arranging.

• Reading and interpreting jazz chord symbols
• Latin rhythm fundamentals (clave, montuno)
• Balancing melody with implied harmonic bass lines
• Rubato and swing phrasing in a popular music context