Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Dolphin Dance" was composed by pianist Herbie Hancock in 1964 and first recorded for his landmark 1965 Blue Note album Maiden Voyage. Part of a concept album evoking the sea, the piece captures the graceful, playful movement of dolphins through its flowing melodic lines.

This is one of Hancock's most harmonically complex compositions. There is no fixed key center—the tonality constantly shifts, blending modal and tonal harmony in a way that is both challenging and beautiful. A simple melodic motive introduced in the 4-bar intro recurs throughout in varied keys and rhythmic shapes, providing unity amid the harmonic movement. The piece employs chromatic ii-V progressions, pedal points, and whole-step ascending ii-V chains—a device Hancock has cited as inspired by Frank Foster's "Shiny Stockings." The surface mood is serene and impressionistic, but the underlying harmonic language demands deep knowledge from improvisers, making it a rewarding challenge for advanced players.

The original recording features Freddie Hubbard (tp), George Coleman (ts), Ron Carter (b), and Tony Williams (ds)—all recently members of the Miles Davis Quintet. Maiden Voyage received the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999. Hancock re-recorded the piece with his trio in 1981 on the Herbie Hancock Trio album.