"If I Had You" is a 1928 popular song co-written by Ted Shapiro, Jimmy Campbell, and Reg Connelly. Campbell and Connelly were English songwriters who also founded the music publishing house Campbell Connelly & Co. Ltd. in London, while Shapiro was an American pianist best known as longtime musical director for singer Sophie Tucker.
The tune follows a 32-bar form and is commonly played in C or Eb major. The melody is warm and romantic, moving in smooth, stepwise motion with few dramatic leaps. The harmony is grounded in standard ii-V-I progressions, with the bridge providing a tasteful modulation that adds tonal variety. The song's versatility allows it to work equally well as a medium-swing number or a tender ballad, and it suits both vocal and instrumental settings.
Frank Sinatra recorded a swinging, definitive vocal version on A Swingin' Affair! (1957). For a quintessential small-group jazz treatment, the Red Norvo Trio featuring Charles Mingus and Tal Farlow on their 1954 album Move! delivers a sparkling, interactive performance that showcases the tune's improvisational potential.
The Real Book (6th Edition)
The ultimate jazz fake book. A must-have for all gigging musicians.
Check on Amazon.com