"All The Things You Are" by Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Jazz standards like 'All The Things You Are' are foundational to jazz improvisation and have a rich history of reinterpretation across decades.
- The song's complex harmonic structure, with its modulations and voice-leading, provides a fertile ground for improvisation and artistic expression.
- Reinterpreting jazz standards is a core part of jazz tradition, allowing musicians to both pay tribute and innovate, ensuring the song’s relevance across generations.
- Collaboration and spontaneous creation, as demonstrated by Kirk’s studio session, are vital for pushing jazz music forward and exploring new musical possibilities.
Summary
Introduction to Jazz Standards and 'All The Things You Are'
Kirk Hamilton introduces the episode by explaining the concept of a 'Contra Fact,' especially in jazz, where it refers to a new melody set over existing chords. He emphasizes the importance of jazz repertoire—collections of standards—or songs all jazz musicians are expected to know. The episode focuses on the evolution of 'All The Things You Are,' a jazz standard originally from Broadway, tracing its history from its Broadway roots through various jazz interpretations over the decades. Kirk discusses how jazz standards serve as a foundation for improvisation and reimagining, highlighting the significance of repertoire in jazz education and performance.
Historical Journey of 'All The Things You Are' from Broadway to Jazz
This section recounts the origins of 'All The Things You Are' as a Broadway show tune composed by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, first performed in the late 1930s. Kirk chronicles how jazz musicians quickly adopted the song, transforming it into a standard. Early versions by Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw are discussed, showcasing how the song was initially arranged with a swing feel. The discussion highlights the song's harmonic structure—particularly its complex, modulating chord progressions—that make it a favorite for jazz improvisers. Kirk explains the tune's form and melodic simplicity, emphasizing its foundation on harmonic twists and voice leading.
Jazz Interpretations and Evolution Over the Decades
Kirk explores how 'All The Things You Are' has been reinterpreted by jazz artists across different eras—from bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, who improvised freely over its chord changes, to modal and avant-garde artists like Bill Evans and modern pianists like Keith Jarrett. The journey illustrates how each generation of jazz musicians personalized the song, changing arrangements, tempo, key, and style. Notably, the segment covers the shift from big band to small ensemble, bebop innovations, and advanced harmonic reharmonizations, emphasizing the song's role as a versatile canvas for artistic expression.
Creative Studio Collaboration and Reimagining the Song in 2025
In a departure from typical episodes, Kirk details his recent collaborative studio recording with fellow musicians—Andrew Oliver, Scott Pemberton, Sam Howard, and Tyson Stubelek—who helped create an innovative new arrangement of 'All The Things You Are.' The band worked spontaneously, emphasizing improvisation and experimentation, including changing time signatures, reharmonizing sections, and taking creative liberties. Kirk shares the process of exploring the song's historical legacy through fresh, personal interpretation, culminating in a recorded performance meant to inspire future improvisers and showcase the song’s enduring adaptability.
Sponsors
- Patreon · This show is 100% listener-supported. If you'd like to support the creation of Strong Songs, go to patreon.com/Strong Songs or make a one-time donation at the link in the show notes.
Show notes
The jazz standard "All The Things You Are" has been performed countless times by master jazz vocalists, 30s big bands, bebop small groups, hard-bop combos, modern deconstructionists, and even soon-to-be Kings of Pop. On this episode, Kirk takes listeners through the history of the now-famous tune, from its humble Broadway origins all the way to his recording studio in Portland, where he and some friends recorded an all-new arrangement just for Strong Songs.
Music/Lyrics: Jerome Kern & Oscar Hammerstein II
Versions Featured:
- Broadway Original Cast Recording of "Very Warm for May," - 1939
- Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra, feat. Jack Leonard, 1939
- Artie Shaw w/ Hellen Forrest, 1939
- Dizzy Gillespie w/ Charlie Parker, 1945
- Johnny Griffin w/ Hank Mobley, John Coltrane, Lee Morgan, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Art Blakey on A Blowing Session, 1957
- Ella Fitzgerald from Sings the Jerome Kern Songbook, 1963
- Michael Jackson, 1973
- Sonny Rollins w/ Coleman Hawkins from Sonny Meets Hawk!, 1963
- Bill Evans w/ Chuck Israels, bass, and Larry Bunker, drums at Shelly’s Mane-Hole, 1963
- Keith Jarrett Trio, from Standards, Vol.1, 1983
- Brad Mehldau Trio, from Art of the Trio 4, 1999
- Jim Hall & Pat Metheney, 1999
Strong Songs Version Featuring:
- Kirk Hamilton, tenor sax
- Andrew Oliver, keyboard
- Scott Pemberton, guitar
- Sam Howard, bass
- Tyson Stubelek, drums
The "All The Things You Are" Playlist:
Spotify | Apple | YouTube Music
ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:
- The Jazz Standards: A Guide To The Repertoire by Ted Gioia, 2012
- The terrific 99% Invisible episode about The Real Book
- “Autumn Leaves” by Joseph Kosma as recorded by Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis on Somethin’ Else, 1958
- “Pennies From Heaven” by Johnston and Burke, recorded by Stan Getz with the Oscar Peterson Trio, 1957
- “Bye Bye Blackbird” by Henderson/Dixon, recorded by Miles Davis on ‘Round About Midnight, 1957
- “All Of Me” by Marks and Simons, played by Charlie Parker, Lennie Tristano and Kenny Clarke, 1951
- “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin, recorded by Sonny Stitt on The Hard Swing, 1961
- Rachmaninoff: Prelude in C-Sharp Minor, performed by Jason Minnis, 2011
- “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John, 1973
- “Bird of Paradise,” recorded by Charlie Parker w/ Howard McGhee, Tpt. on The Complete Dial Recordings, Feb 1947
- “Prince Albert” recorded by Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers (Mobley, Dorham, Watkins, Silver) live at Cafe Bohemia, 1955
- “Poinciana” by Simon/Bernier recorded by Amhad Jamal Live At The Pershing, 1958
--------------------
MAY 2025 WHOLE-NOTE PATRONS
Andy – Lisa Crotty – Elizabeth Culver – Meryl Allison – Robyn Metcalfe – Cesar – Corpus Frisky – Ben Barron – Catherine Warner – Damon White – Jay Swartz – Rush – Daniel Hannon-Barry – Christopher Miller – Jamie White – Christopher McConnell – David Mascetti – Joe Laska – Ken Hirsh – Melanie Andrich – Jenness Gardner – Nathaniel Bauernfeind – Paul Delaney – Sami Samhuri – Jeremy Dawson – AccessViolation – Dave Florey
MAY 2025 HALF-NOTE PATRONS
Roger Yoon – Alison Dugan – Princess of Whales – Dave Douglass – Suzanne Crawford – PhantomMare – Kym Griffith – Rachel – Aruni Jayatilleke – Ryan Gillen – TB – Daniel Kaberon – Wiggy Hash – Whit Sidener – Julie Kellman – Simon Hellman – Bea – Claudia Carty – Dani – Glenn Jackson – Christopher Selby Spink – Philip Kelly – Daniel Nervo – Kevin Stafford – Rick Keeler – Lawrence – Sy Jacobs – Irritable – Ian Pidd – Andrew Hofer – Jordan Gatenby – Melissa Kuhns – Ashley – Seattle Trans and Nonbinary Choral Ensemble – Kevin Marcelo – Samantha Coates – James – Jeff – Dan Cutter – Joseph Romero – Ol Parker – John Berry – Danielle Kriz – Clint McElroy – Mordok’s Vape Pen – Inmar Givoni – Michael Singer – Merv Adrian – Joe Gallo – Lauren Knotts – Dave Kolas – Henry Mindlin – Monica St. Angelo – Stephen Wolkwitz – Rand LeShay – Maxeric Sp – Matthew Jones – Thomas – Anthony Mentz – James McMurry – Ethan Laser – Brian John Peter – Chris Remo – Aaron Wilson – Dent Earl – Carlos Lerner – Misty Haisfield – Abraham Benrubi – Lee R. – Callum Webb – Lynda MacNeil – Dick Morgan – Ben Stein – Grettir Asmundarson – Sean Murphy – Randal Vegter – Kellen Steffen – Kaya Woodall – Robert Granat – Dave Malloy – Alan Maass – John Halpin – Peter Harding – David – Kayla Russell – John Bauman – Martín Salías – Stu Baker – Steve Martino – Dr. Arthur A. Gray – Gary Pierce – Matt Baxter – Luigi Boccia – E. Margaret Warton – Tim Sheehan – Charles McGee – Catherine Clause – Ethan Bauman – KenIsWearingAHat – Jordan Block – Aaron Wade – Jeff Ulm – David Futter – Jamie – Deebs – Portland Eye Care – Richard Sneddon – Janice Berry – Doreen Carlson – Wendy Gilchrist – Lisa Turner – Paul Wayper – Miles Forman – Bruno Gaeta – Kenneth Jung – Adam Stofsky – Zak Remer – Rishi Sahay – Jeffrey Bean – JRRJ – Ailie Fraser – Rob Tsuk – Natalie Mistilis – Josh Singer – Amy Lynn Thornsen – Adam W. – Kelli Brockington – Victoria Yu – Mino Capossela – Steve Paquin – David Joske – Bernard Khoo – Robert Heuer – David Noah – Geraldine Butler – Madeleine Mader – Jason Pratt – Abbie Berg – Doug Belew – Dermot Crowley – Achint Srivastava – Ryan Rairigh – Michael Berman – Linda Duffy – Bonnie Prinsen – Eoin de Burca – Kevin Potter – M. Shane Borders – Dallas Hockley – Jason Gerry – Nell Morse – Nathan Gouwens – Lauren Reay – Eric Prestemon – Cbalmain – Angela Livingstone – Diane Hughes – Michael Casner – Lowell Meyer – Stephen Tsoneff – Joshua Hill – Pascal Rueger – Randy Souza – Clare Holberton – Diane Turner – Tom Coleman – Dhu Wik – Melmaniac – Eric Helm – Jonathan Daniels – Caro Field – Dave Sharpe – Naomi Watson – David Alexander – Jeff Patterson – Chris K. – Gavin Doig – Sam Fenn – Tanner Morton – AJ Schuster – Jennifer Bush – David Stroud – Brad Callahan – Amanda Furlotti – Andrew Baker – Andrew Fair – L. B. Morse – Bill Thornton – Brian Amoebas – Brett Douville – Jeffrey Olson – Matt Betzel – Nate from Kalamazoo – Melanie Stivers – Richard Toller – Alexander Polson – Justin McElroy – Arjun Sharma – James Johnson – Kevin Morrell – Colin Hodo
----LINKS-----
💰 SUPPORT STRONG SONGS!
Patreon | One-Time Donation
🏠 HOMEPAGE
👚 MERCH
📷 KIRK’S SOCIAL MEDIA:
Instagram | YouTube | Bluesky
🎙️ KIRK’S OTHER PODCASTS:
Triple Click | Definitely Fiction
🎧 EVERY STRONG SONG:
Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music
🎨 SHOW ART:
Tom Deja, Bossman Graphics
Follow this show on AudioBrevity and new episodes get summarized for you. Create a free account