Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Witchcraft" was composed by Cy Coleman in 1957 with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. Coleman originally wrote the piece as an instrumental for the revue Take Five, and Leigh subsequently added the witty, suggestive lyrics that helped make it a hit.

The tune has an unusual 40-bar ABCDA form, distinguishing it from the standard 32-bar structures of most popular songs. Typically played in F major at a relaxed medium swing tempo, the melody is sophisticated and urbane, with each section presenting a distinct harmonic character. The chord progression is harmonically adventurous, moving through several tonal areas that provide rich material for improvisation. The song's smooth, conversational quality makes it equally effective as a vocal feature or an instrumental showcase.

The landmark recording is Frank Sinatra's 1957 single, arranged by Nelson Riddle, which earned multiple nominations at the inaugural Grammy Awards. In jazz, Bill Evans's trio version on Portrait in Jazz (1959) is a masterful interpretation. Ella Fitzgerald's live recording on Ella Returns to Berlin (1961) and Sarah Vaughan's 1962 version are also widely admired.