I’m Old Fashioned

“I’m Old Fashioned” is a song composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, written as the theme for the 1942 film You Were Never Lovelier. Fred Astaire first performed the song in the movie, and it has since been interpreted by many jazz musicians. As the title suggests, the song revolves around themes of traditional values and romantic love.

The song features a simple yet charming melody with well-organized harmonies and a lyrical atmosphere. Structured in an AABA format, it is a quintessential jazz standard that stands out for its smooth and warm tone. The melody in the B section allows for emotional interpretation, contributing to the overall refined feel of the piece.

When performing this song, it is essential to delicately express the lyrical melody and harmonies. Interpreting the melody while capturing the song’s overall mood and emotion is crucial. Additionally, close communication with accompanying musicians is necessary to achieve rich expressiveness. In the B section, finding ways to convey warmth and emotion is especially important. During solo sections, it is vital to add personal interpretation while maintaining the overall atmosphere of the piece.