Nancy With the Laughing Face – Jazz Reharmonization by Paul Tobey
$7.95
Discover a unique reharmonization of the jazz standard “Nancy (With the Laughing Face),” featuring innovative *7♭5* and *7♯11* passing chords, like the striking *B7♭5* between *Fm* chords and a *D♭7♯11* leading to a diminished seventh. The bridge showcases a *Cm* line cliché and a *C-7* to *G7♭9* progression, with varied treatments to keep the melody fresh. Perfect for pianists looking to master lush, dissonant ballad sounds, these chord concepts can enhance many jazz standards. Includes a bonus lead sheet with lyrics and custom chord changes (a $4.95 value, free!) for improvisation and vocal collaboration.
This is my personal reharmonization of the jazz standard “Nancy (With the Laughing Face).” Some elements that make this arrangement unique are the use of *7♭5* and *7♯11* chords as passing chords to maintain dissonance before resolving. For example, in the first pickup measure, a *B7♭5* chord sits between two *Fm* chords. It shouldn’t work, but it does—and it works beautifully. Creating dissonance is the key to lush-sounding ballads on the piano.
Further into the piece, you’ll find a *D♭7♯11* chord leading to a diminished seventh chord. This *7♯11* chord acts as a passing chord, rising a semitone to become the next chord—an unusual choice that works remarkably well.
In the bridge, there’s a *Cm* line cliché followed by a *C-7* to *G7♭9* progression. To avoid repetition, the same melody line receives varied treatments throughout.
One of the main reasons to download and learn this version is that these chord changes can be applied not only to this tune but to many jazz standards. It’s ideal to get the feel of these chords under your fingers with this piece before exploring them in other tunes.
*BONUS LEAD SHEET: I’m also including a lead sheet with complete lyrics, and my personal chord changes so that you can improvise over the changes and work with a singer. (A $4.95 value FREE!)
I hope you enjoy the music! Please listen to the full tutorial masterclass below to learn how this sheet music was crafted. Enjoy!
