So Am I: Lead Sheet

This collection gives guitarists direct access to over 100 Gershwin standards in lead sheet format, eliminating the need to hunt through multiple sources or transcribe from recordings. The full cooperation of the Gershwin estate ensures accuracy and legitimacy, making it an authoritative resource for jazz repertoire study and performance.

These melodies sparkle with sophistication and wit; the harmonies shift unexpectedly, moving between blues-tinged moments and lush chromaticism that feels both elegant and playful. There's an infectious energy throughout that comes from Gershwin's gift for making complex musical ideas feel utterly natural.

Jazz guitarists at all levels, from students learning standard repertoire to experienced musicians seeking accurate reference material for comping and soloing. It's equally valuable for singers and other instrumentalists who need reliable chord charts for these essential American standards.

• Treat chord symbols as suggestions for harmonic color rather than rigid voicing rules; Gershwin's sophisticated harmony rewards experimentation with shell voicings, tensions, and reharmonization.
• Pay attention to the lyrical quality of melody lines even in instrumental contexts; these songs were written for singers, and maintaining vocal phrasing sensibility makes the harmonic movement land more naturally.
• Use rubato and space thoughtfully around the turnarounds and phrase endings, which often contain the most interesting harmonic movement in these standards.

Build a jazz standards night around selections from this collection, pairing different songs to explore varied moods within the Gershwin catalog. Use individual tunes as study material in jazz ensembles or as solo performance pieces for guitar recitals focused on American songbook repertoire.

• Reading lead sheets and interpreting chord symbols for jazz performance
• Understanding harmonic language of 1920s-1930s American popular song
• Navigating complex song forms and turnarounds
• Balancing melodic phrasing with harmonic awareness
• Developing reharmonization and comping techniques specific to jazz standards