Old Devil Moon: E-Z Play Today

Harburg's harmonies in this standard offer piano students a masterclass in jazz vocabulary without requiring advanced technique. The two-page format makes it accessible for intermediate players while the harmonic language and swing feel provide genuine musical substance that keeps repertoire rotation fresh.

Wistful and bittersweet, with just enough harmonic color to keep things interesting. The melody sits comfortably under the hands while the chord changes invite subtle reinterpretation, capturing that particular ache of standards from the golden age of Broadway.

Intermediate pianists working on jazz standards and swing feel, as well as vocalists who need a pianist who understands how to support a lyric line. It suits students building their jazz repertoire and anyone preparing for musicals or cabaret settings.

• Shape the melody with rubato in the A section; let the piano breathe where the lyric naturally falls, then lock into the groove during the B section
• Explore different voicings for the jazz changes rather than playing them the same way twice; reharmonization is built into the style
• Balance bass and chordal accompaniment so neither overshadows the tune; the melody is the anchor here
• Listen to classic interpretations to hear how phrasing and tempo flexibility serve the emotional arc, especially the title phrase

Add this to a jazz recital or Broadway-focused concert to give pianists a chance to demonstrate comfort with swing idioms in a shorter form. It pairs well alongside other Harburg standards or as a palette cleanser between heavier contemporary works.

• Jazz comping and chord voicing flexibility
• Swing rhythm and feel
• Lyric-aware phrasing and rubato
• Navigating changes with harmonic awareness