China boy – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
F Major – Phil Boutelje 1922
China boy composed by Phil Boutelje is a standard played by almost every musician who plays traditional jazz. Sidney Bechet in particular, demonstrates his mastery of trills throughout his solo on this piece.
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China Boy, written in 1922 by Phil Boutelje and Dick Winfree, became a staple of 1920s hot jazz and Chicago-style ensembles. This free online lead sheet highlights its bright 32-bar structure, lively syncopation, and strong melodic momentum suited for improvisation.
View this lead sheet online to explore its energetic jazz feel and performance-ready chord framework.
About the composer: Phil Boutelje
Phil Boutelje (1895–1979) was an American composer, pianist, and conductor known for his film scores and contributions to jazz and popular music. He worked with notable ensembles and composed iconic pieces like "China Boy" and "I Love You, Believe Me I Love You."
Musical strucutre and form
This song is a 32 bar form, with a I chord that is held longer than usual. The bridge modulates to Ab which creates a nice change of atmosphere.
