The 12-bar blues swing of The Old Soft Shoe is presented here with crystal clarity. Students will learn the blues construct simply by playing it through. Easy-to-play jazz riffs with cute words. Written in the key of G, with appropriate blues accidentals.
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Edwin McLean strips away the intimidation factor from blues piano by building the 12-bar form directly into the playing experience. Students absorb the blues construct through their hands rather than memorizing theory, and the included lyrics give ensemble options that transform a solo into a group activity.
What to expect
A toe-tapping blues shuffle that feels natural under the fingers from the first run-through. The key of G sits comfortably on the piano, and the riffs have an easy swing to them, like a pianist just warming up with old favorite sounds.
Who it's for
Students ready to step into jazz piano with minimal barrier to entry. The piece works for pianists in grades 3-6 who want real blues vocabulary without needing advanced technique, and it's equally useful in general music classes or jazz ensembles exploring the blues form.
How to get the most out of it
Anchor the left hand groove first. Get comfortable with the blues bass pattern before layering in the right-hand riff, so the swing feel locks in solidly.
Lean into the swing eighth notes. The blues articulation depends on pushing against the beat slightly, not playing mechanically on the grid.
Use the lyrics as a rhythmic guide if you're performing with singers. Let the words breathe and shape the phrasing rather than rushing the riff.
How to use it
Open a jazz or popular music unit with this piece as a tactile introduction to 12-bar blues structure. It also pairs well in a casual recital setting or student showcase where you want jazz represented without demanding advanced preparation time.
Skills your students will build
Understanding 12-bar blues harmonic structure through playing
Blues swing articulation and the relationship between notation and feel
Left-hand independence and bass line comping
Integration of text with instrumental riffs for ensemble performance
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