On The Sunny Side Of The Street

“On The Sunny Side Of The Street” was composed by Jimmy McHugh in 1927, with lyrics by Dorothy Fields. The song was first introduced as part of the Broadway musical Lew Leslie’s International Revue and later became a jazz standard, performed by many jazz musicians. The lyrics convey a positive message about overcoming difficulties and enjoying a happy life.

The song follows a typical AABA structure and is composed of 32 bars. It begins in a major key, creating a joyful atmosphere. The melody is straightforward with a clear and catchy rhythm, making it a familiar structure for many musicians. The rhythm is often played with a swing feel, allowing for diverse interpretations.

It’s important to capture the upbeat mood and swing feel of the piece. The lyrical melody should be expressed smoothly, while the rhythm section maintains a solid swing groove. In the solo section, musicians should adhere to the basic structure and harmonic progression while adding personal interpretation and creative improvisation to enrich the piece. The rhythm section should preserve the overall mood of the song while incorporating various rhythmic patterns to add color to the performance.