How High the Moon is a jazz standard composed by Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton in 1940. The song achieved its greatest fame in 1951 when it was performed by jazz trumpeter Miles Davis. This classic tune has been covered by many artists over the years, including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra.
How High the Moon is an easy-to-play piece of music that features a simple arrangement of chords and scales. It is perfect for beginners who are just starting out with trumpet playing, since it has some basic techniques that can be practiced and mastered quickly. It’s also great for more experienced trumpet players who want to explore new sounds or practice their improvisational skills.
The song’s catchy melody and simple chord sequence make it fun to play and easy to remember. Its timeless appeal makes How High the Moon an excellent choice for any aspiring trumpeter looking to add a classic tune to their repertoire. With its upbeat tempo and uplifting feel, this tune will be sure to bring a smile to your face while you practice!
History of How High the Moon Composition
How High the Moon, a jazz standard composed in 1940 by Morgan Lewis and Nancy Hamilton, has been covered by a diverse range of artists from Ella Fitzgerald to Metallica. The song was originally written for a Broadway revue, Two for the Show. It was first recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra in 1941. The song quickly became popular and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1978.
The song has also been adapted for other instruments, including trumpet. In 1950, Art Farmer released an instrumental version of How High the Moon with his jazz quintet. The legendary trumpeter Miles Davis recorded his own rendition of it on his 1958 album Milestones. Since then, many jazz musicians have performed their own unique versions of the song on trumpet. How High the Moon remains one of the most influential jazz standards ever composed.
The lyrics to How High the Moon were not included in its original version but were later added by Hamilton to capitalize on its success. Today, it is performed as both an instrumental and vocal piece; each interpretation showcasing its timeless melody and captivating chord progressions. How High the Moon is a classic example of how great music can transcend time and continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Notable Performances of How High the Moon
The jazz standard ‘How High the Moon’ has been recorded by countless artists and performed in various styles over the years. Ella Fitzgerald released an iconic cover in 1947, which featured a scat solo that became one of her signature pieces. Miles Davis also recorded an instrumental version in 1954, highlighting his distinctive trumpet playing. In recent years, ‘How High the Moon’ has been covered by artists such as Norah Jones, Diana Krall and Michael Bublé. The song was even covered by Metallica for their 2019 album S&M2, adding heavy metal flair to its classic melody. No matter what style it is performed in, ‘How High the Moon’ remains a timeless jazz standard that can be enjoyed by listeners of all ages.
Variations in Musical Arrangement of How High the Moon
The song ‘How High the Moon’ has become a jazz standard, with many versions arranged for different instruments. The original version featured guitar, but since then, it has been arranged for almost every instrument imaginable. The most popular arrangement features trumpet as the main instrument, a version that has become iconic in jazz music. However, other instruments have also been used to create unique variations of this timeless classic.
Piano is a popular choice for arranging ‘How High the Moon’. This version gives it a more traditional jazz sound, allowing for a smoother transition between chords and giving the melody more room to breathe. The piano also provides more space to add improvisation and solos.
Drums and bass can also be used to give the song a more upbeat feel and groove-based approach. This style of arrangement often features syncopated rhythms and jazzy fills to create an energetic atmosphere.
String instruments like violin and cello provide an intimate setting for ‘How High the Moon’, making it sound like a chamber piece rather than a traditional jazz tune. This style of arrangement usually focuses on subtle variations in dynamics and texture, creating a warm ambience.
Overall, there are countless ways to arrange ‘How High the Moon’ depending on which instruments you choose to use. Each variation brings something unique and special to this timeless classic, making it one of the
