Style:

6/8 waltz, often played at a comfortable medium tempo.

Form:

12 Bar Major Blues

Arrangements:

It is common to insert 4 bar interludes before and after the head.

Key:

G Major

Harmony/Overview:

The  harmony and form of this composition is nearly identical to that of a  conventional 12 bar blues, although it has more of a modal quality due  to the absence of typical passing chords that are often employed over  the common song form. The turnaround however is not so conventional,  beginning on V7alt before moving up a semi-tone and back down again.

Recordings:

This  song has been recorded over 250 times to date and is one of the most  widely known jazz standards in the repertoire. Miles Davis first  recorded it on his 1959 album Kind of Blue and  it would remain in his repertoire well throughout his career,  performing and recording it on several occasions. It continues to be  performed frequently to this day and remains an especially popular jam  session number.

JGC Top Picks:

Miles Davis, At Plugged Nickel In Chicago, 1965

Kenny Drew Trio, At the Brewhouse 1992, 1992

The Dave Liebman Trio, Lieb Plays the Blues à la Trane, 2008