Angry – Free Jazz Lead Sheet

Angry was written in 1925 by Henry Brunies, Merritt Brunies, Dudley Mecum, and Jules Cassard, musicians associated with the early New Orleans jazz scene. The tune emerged during the formative years of hot jazz and became part of the traditional jazz repertoire, valued for its driving rhythm and memorable melodic character. It reflects the collective style of early ensemble-based jazz, where arranged passages and improvisation coexist within a clear song framework.

This free online lead sheet presents the complete melody and chord changes in Bb major, making it suitable for small combos, big bands, and traditional jazz ensembles. Its balanced structure supports improvisation, call-and-response phrasing, and stylistic interpretation in swing or classic New Orleans settings.

Henry Brunies (1902–1972) and Merritt Brunies (1895–1973) were New Orleans jazz musicians active during the early development of recorded hot jazz. Alongside Dudley Mecum and Jules Cassard, they contributed to the repertoire associated with traditional jazz ensembles of the 1920s. The Brunies brothers performed with prominent regional groups and were part of the generation that helped carry New Orleans style to a wider national audience. Their compositions reflect the ensemble-driven approach of early jazz, combining arranged melodic sections with space for collective and individual improvisation. Although not as widely documented as some contemporaries, their work remains part of the standard traditional jazz catalog, particularly among revivalist and classic jazz bands.