Style:

Ballad.

Form:

A1-B-A2-C (24 Bars) [8-4-4-8]

Verse:

A-A-B (28 Bars) [7-7-14]

One of the rare instances where a verse has become entirely synonymous with the tune. It is nearly always included before the form begins, typically as a solo rubato performance. The original recording of Billy  Strayhorn and Kay Davis offers a great glimpse into the initial conception of the verse, which has since seen many varying reharmonizations and interpretations since.

Key:

Db Major

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony and melody of this composition are both very sophisticated. There are particular instances in the tune in which there are several varying sets of changes that are used by different musicians, so it is  well worth listening to many versions and comparing them. For instance, the final turnaround of the form as played by Coltrane begins on V7#9 and and continues up in semi-tones before a final bII9 resolves to the  tonic. Although many musicians choose to include these changes, they are  vastly different than those employed by Strayhorn himself.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 440 times to date. Strayhorn began composing "Lush Life" while still a teenager, although it was not  introduced to the general public until 1948 during a Duke Ellington  concert. It has since been recorded by virtually every prominent jazz musician at some point in their career and it continues to be one of the most revered ballads in the repertoire.

JGC Top Picks:

John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman, John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman, 1963

Joe Henderson, Lush Life, 1991

Mike Moreno, Third Wish, 2009