How High The Moon

“How High The Moon” is a song composed by Morgan Lewis with lyrics by Nancy Hamilton. It was first introduced in the 1940 Broadway revue Two for the Show. Over the years, the song has been widely recorded by artists in both jazz and pop genres, becoming one of the most iconic jazz standards.

The song features a relatively simple harmonic structure, which has made it an appealing canvas for jazz musicians. The form of the song follows a 32-bar AABA structure, with each section comprising 8 bars. Jazz musicians have often used this structure as a foundation for various interpretations and improvisations, especially in the bebop genre.

It’s important to capture the bright and lively mood of the song. In the improvisation sections, understanding the harmonic progression and using it as a basis for creative interpretation is essential. As demonstrated in Charlie Parker’s famous jazz rendition “Ornithology,” transforming and reinterpreting the melody can lead to a unique and original performance. Coordinating with the rhythm section and maintaining the overall flow of the piece is crucial. Listening to multiple interpretations and incorporating aspects you like into your style is also an effective practice method.