My Funny Valentine

“My Funny Valentine” was composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Lorenz Hart, first appearing in the 1937 musical Babes in Arms. The song expresses timeless love, and Chet Baker’s rendition is especially well-known for its gentle and tender vocal and trumpet performance. His interpretation has made this piece a quintessential jazz ballad.

The piece is characterized by its slow tempo and rich emotional depth. The melody is both beautiful and lyrical, with a subtle bluesy feel. The harmonic progression is somewhat complex, featuring smooth and delicate transitions, while the swing rhythm flows gracefully throughout the piece. In Baker’s version, the trumpet and vocals add a warm, heartfelt dimension.

Focus on emotional expression when playing this song. The piano should delicately guide the harmonic flow, while the bass maintains a soft and stable line. The drums should support the swing rhythm subtly, creating the right atmosphere without overwhelming the melody. A calm and nuanced performance is essential, and it’s important to accurately convey the lyrical melody and complex harmonic structure. Drawing inspiration from Chet Baker’s style, performers should infuse their own emotion into the interpretation.