Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"The Touch of Your Lips" is a romantic ballad written by British composer and bandleader Ray Noble in 1936, who penned both the words and music. The original recording featured vocalist Al Bowlly with Noble's orchestra, and versions by Bing Crosby and Hal Kemp also reached the charts that year.

Set in C major in a 32-bar AABA form, the song unfolds in long, elegant phrases that reflect Noble's distinctively British refinement. The harmony is gentle yet contains lovely modulations that enrich the ballad's emotional palette. Best suited to a slow tempo, the tune demands lyrical, expressive playing and rewards performers who can sustain its unhurried beauty without losing momentum.

A landmark jazz recording is the duet by Tony Bennett and pianist Bill Evans on The Tony Bennett/Bill Evans Album (1975). Their intimate, delicate interplay draws out every ounce of the song's romantic beauty, creating one of the finest vocal-piano collaborations in jazz history.