Trouble in mind – Free Jazz Lead Sheet
F Major – Richard M. Jones 1926
Trouble in Mind by Richard M. Jones (1926) is a jazz blues standard in F Major. Built on a classic twelve-bar blues structure, it provides a solid foundation for improvisation and expressive phrasing. Richard M. Jones was a pianist and composer whose influence shaped the sound of the era.
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Support the projectAbout this song:
“trouble in mind” is a blues standard often attributed to jazz and folk traditions; while its exact composer is uncertain, it dates back to at least the early 20th century. One of the first well-known recordings was by Richard M. Jones in the 1920s. The song has since become a staple for both blues and jazz singers.
The lyrics express a deep sense of sorrow and resignation—“trouble in mind” refers to the personal struggles and emotional burdens carried by the singer, coupled with a longing for peace or release. Musically, the piece often follows a 12-bar blues progression, but performers frequently reinterpret it with subtle harmonic variations or slow ballad tempos, giving it versatility for both rowdy blues bands and more contemplative jazz settings.
About the composer: Richard M. Jones
Richard M. Jones (1892–1945) was an American jazz pianist, composer, and record producer known for his work with Louis Armstrong on the Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings, which are pivotal in jazz history.
