That Old Black Magic (from Star Spangled Rhythm): E-Z Play Today

E-Z Play Today makes this swaggering standard accessible without sacrificing the sophisticated harmony that makes it rewarding to play. The arrangement respects the song's vintage charm while keeping the reading demands reasonable, so students can focus on interpreting the character rather than wrestling with notation.

There's an irresistible magnetism to this tune; it glides between swoon and snap, with enough harmonic color to feel sophisticated but enough pop sensibility to feel instantly singable. The melody casts a spell, exactly as Mercer promised.

Pianists at the intermediate level who want to build jazz repertoire without sight-reading headaches will find this arrangement ideal. It works equally well for singers preparing a piano accompanist, or for hobbyists exploring the classic American songbook.

• Lean into the rhythmic swagger of the opening phrase; these aren't straight eighth notes but shuffle-inflected passages that need a slight lilt to capture the song's personality.
• The bridge modulates and introduces chromatic movement, so practice hands separately until the shape becomes muscle memory before putting them together.
• Balance melody and accompaniment so the tune sings over the chords; resist the urge to pound out every harmony note equally.

Pair this with other standards from the same era for a jazz appreciation unit, or use it as an encore that lets audiences hear a song they may recognize. Solo pianists can feature it as an elegant interlude between heavier contemporary pieces.

• Reading lead sheets and jazz chord symbols
• Interpreting syncopated rhythms and swing feel
• Managing modulation and chromatic passage work
• Balancing melody and harmony in a jazz arrangement
• Shaping a standard with appropriate phrasing and dynamics