Jazz standard tunes are songs that have become widely known and widely played in the jazz repertoire. While the ii-V-I chord progression is a staple in many jazz standards, there are also many standards that don’t contain this progression. Here are some examples of jazz standards that don’t have a ii-V-I progression:
- “Take the ‘A’ Train” by Duke Ellington
- “All of Me” by Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons
- “Body and Soul” by Johnny Green and Edward Heyman
- “Misty” by Erroll Garner
- “Round Midnight” by Thelonious Monk
“Take the ‘A’ Train” is a classic swing tune composed by Duke Ellington in 1939. It’s one of his most famous compositions and is widely recognized as a jazz standard. The tune has a simple, memorable melody and a driving swing feel. It’s a great example of a tune that doesn’t use a ii-V-I progression, but still has a strong sense of jazz harmony.
“All of Me” is a popular standard that has been recorded by many jazz musicians. It’s a 32-bar song that follows a simple AABA form. The song has a straightforward chord progression and a catchy melody, making it a popular choice for jazz musicians to play and sing.
“Body and Soul” is another classic standard that has been recorded by many jazz musicians. It’s a 32-bar song that follows an AABA form. The song has a simple chord progression and a memorable melody, making it a popular choice for jazz musicians to play and sing.
“Misty” is a ballad composed by Erroll Garner in 1954. It’s a 32-bar song that follows an AABA form. The song has a simple chord progression and a memorable melody, making it a popular choice for jazz musicians to play and sing.
“Round Midnight” is a ballad composed by Thelonious Monk in 1944. It’s a 32-bar song that follows an AABA form. The song has a simple chord progression and a memorable melody, making it a popular choice for jazz musicians to play and sing.
In conclusion, these are just a few examples of jazz standards that don’t contain a ii-V-I chord progression. These tunes demonstrate that a strong sense of jazz harmony can be achieved without relying on this progression. Jazz musicians continue to explore new harmonic possibilities and create new standards, but these classic tunes remain a staple in the jazz repertoire and a testament to the timeless appeal of jazz music.
