Make believe – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
C Major – Jerome Kern 1927
Make Believe by Jerome David Kern is a romantic jazz standard in C Major. Its elegant melody and nostalgic character make it suitable for both intimate and orchestral jazz settings. The composer crafted a melody that captures the essence of romantic sentiment in early twentieth-century music. The tune's lyrical phrasing and warm harmonic movement continue to inspire jazz vocalists and instrumentalists.
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“Make Believe” was composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the 1927 musical *Show Boat*. The song has lyrical tenderness and a melodic structure that naturally appeals to jazz vocalists and instrumentalists.
Over the years, “Make Believe” has been reinterpreted in countless jazz settings, often slowed down and reharmonized to highlight its romantic sentiment. Its 32-bar AABA form gives soloists and singers room to explore both lyrical phrasing and improvisation.
About the composer: Jerome Kern
Jerome David Kern (1885–1945) was an American composer and songwriter renowned for his contributions to musical theatre and popular music. Best known for his innovative use of rhythm and jazz progressions, he composed over 700 songs, including "Ol' Man River" and "The Way You Look Tonight," which remain popular today.
