Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Jumpin' at the Woodside" is a swing jazz classic composed by Count Basie in 1938. The title refers to the Woodside Hotel in New York's Harlem, where the Basie band resided during this period. It is a quintessential example of the "head arrangement" approach, where band members memorized riffs rather than reading from scored parts.

Set in Bb major, the tune is built on a riff-based structure where the saxophone section, brass section, and piano trade motifs in an exhilarating call-and-response pattern, layering energy as the performance unfolds. The tempo is blazing fast—typically above 240 BPM—showcasing the Basie band's rock-solid swing feel and the relentless drive of its rhythm section. While the individual solos are impressive, the ultimate thrill lies in the collective groove of the full ensemble.

The Count Basie Orchestra's 1938 Decca recording is the definitive performance, featuring a celebrated tenor saxophone solo by Lester Young. From Basie's spare, witty piano introduction to the roaring final chorus, the recording captures the essence of swing jazz at its most electrifying.