Tune Tuesday: The Blue Room

 

Rediscovering a Hidden Gem: "The Blue Room"

Not every jazz standard gets the spotlight it deserves. Some tunes quietly linger in the background, waiting to be rediscovered by musicians who appreciate their charm. One of those overlooked gems is The Blue Room, a 1926 composition by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. While it never reached the mainstream popularity of My Funny Valentine or Blue Moon, this tune has a playful, almost humorous quality that makes it an absolute joy to play.

A Tune That Makes You Smile

There's something about The Blue Room that just feels fun. Even before adding lyrics, the melody itself has a lighthearted bounce to it. It’s the kind of song that makes you grin as you play it—one of those tunes that doesn't take itself too seriously. Originally written for the Rodgers and Hart musical The Girlfriend, it was introduced by Eva Puck and Sammy White. While the show has faded into obscurity, The Blue Room has managed to pop up in unexpected places over the years.

It made its way into classic films like The Big Sleep (starring Humphrey Bogart) and Young Man with a Horn, and it even appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1970, performed by Cass Elliot as part of a Richard Rodgers tribute. Despite these moments, it never quite became a staple in the jazz repertoire. But that’s what makes it special—when you do hear it, it feels like a little secret shared among those who dig deeper into the American songbook.

Why Musicians Love It

For guitarists and jazz musicians, The Blue Room offers a great study in harmonic movement. The tune features clever chord changes, making it a great vehicle for improvisation. It’s got that classic Tin Pan Alley feel but with a bit of Rodgers and Hart’s signature unpredictability. The melody’s playful nature allows for interesting phrasing choices, and whether you play it straight or reharmonize it, there’s plenty of room to experiment.

For educators, it’s also a fantastic example of early jazz composition, bridging the gap between musical theater and the evolving jazz scene of the late 1920s. If you’re looking for a tune that’s both fun and historically interesting, this is a great one to explore.

Watch the Performance

If you haven’t heard The Blue Room before, now’s your chance to experience its unique charm. I’ve put together a performance of this little-known gem, and I think you’ll get what I mean when I say it’s a song that just makes you smile. Check it out, and let me know what you think! CLICK HERE

And if you’ve been enjoying these deep dives into lesser-known jazz standards, be sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell so you don’t miss the next one. See you next Tune Tuesday!

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org


*note - part or all of this article may have been written with AI.

Popular posts from this blog

Tune Tuesday: Somebody Loves Me

Image
  Tune Tuesday: Somebody Loves Me – A Timeless Classic by George Gershwin Good morning, and welcome to another Tune Tuesday ! Today, we’re revisiting a true gem from the Great American Songbook: Somebody Loves Me , written by the legendary George Gershwin. Released in 1924, this song has been captivating listeners for nearly a century, and its enduring appeal continues to shine through in every performance. The Story Behind Somebody Loves Me Somebody Loves Me was composed by Gershwin, with lyrics by Ballard McDonald and Buddy DeSylva. The song was introduced to the world in 1924, and the first recordings followed shortly after, marking the beginning of its long and successful journey. Some of the earliest renditions came from big names like Paul Whiteman, Ray Miller, Marion Harris, and Cliff Edwards. Of these early versions, Whiteman's recording was the most popular, helping to solidify the song as a jazz standard. Gershwin, of course, is well-known for his ability to blend class...
Read more

Tune Tuesday: Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)

Image
  Exploring a Bossa Nova Classic: Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars) Some songs define an entire genre. Others become the bridge that introduces a new sound to the world. Corcovado —also known as Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars —is both. Written by the legendary Antônio Carlos Jobim in 1960, this bossa nova standard helped shape the wave of Brazilian jazz fusion that swept through the U.S. in the early ’60s. With its lush harmonies and effortlessly flowing melody, it’s a tune that guitarists, vocalists, and jazz lovers continue to return to time and time again. Two Titles, One Masterpiece If you’ve ever wondered why this tune has two different names, the answer lies in its history. The original Portuguese title, Corcovado , refers to the famous mountain in Rio de Janeiro—the one crowned by the Christ the Redeemer statue. The song’s lyrics, when first written in Portuguese, painted a scene of quiet, romantic solitude, capturing the essence of Rio’s beauty. It wasn’t until Gene Lee...
Read more

Theory Thursday: Should You Use Fingers or a Guitar Pick?

Image
  Pick vs. Fingers: The Eternal Guitar Debate Every guitarist faces this question at some point: should you play with a pick or your fingers? It’s an age-old debate, and the answer isn't as simple as one being better than the other—it all depends on what you want out of your playing. Whether you're chasing speed, control, tone, or versatility, both approaches have their strengths. The Sound Difference Let’s start with a simple listening test. If you strum or pick a note with a guitar pick, you’ll notice the sound is sharper, more defined, and often brighter. That’s because a pick—being rigid—creates a crisp attack with more emphasis on the higher frequencies. Now, play the same note with your fingers. The sound is rounder, warmer, and smoother because the flesh and nails absorb some of the attack, softening the edges. On an electric guitar, the difference can be even more pronounced. A pick cuts through the mix, making it a favorite for lead playing in rock, blues, and metal. F...
Read more