Tune Tuesday: All The Things You Are

 

Exploring "All the Things You Are" – A Timeless Jazz Standard

Few jazz standards have stood the test of time quite like All the Things You Are. Written in 1939 by Jerome Kern with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this masterpiece has been embraced by musicians across genres for decades. Whether you're a jazz guitarist, a theory enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates great music, this song is worth a deep dive.

A Song That Transcends Genres

Originally composed for the musical Very Warm for May, All the Things You Are quickly found a life beyond Broadway. It has been recorded by jazz legends like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald, proving its adaptability across different styles. But what really makes this song special is that even artists outside the jazz world have embraced it—Judy Garland performed it on a radio show, and, believe it or not, even Michael Jackson recorded a version.

Why does this song continue to captivate musicians and listeners alike? The answer lies in its harmonic complexity and beautiful movement between key centers. The tune's progression is one of the most elegant in jazz, using a series of ii-V-I cadences that shift through multiple keys, creating a sense of constant forward motion. For guitarists, this makes it a fantastic piece to study, both for comping and improvisation.

The Magic of the Harmony

One of the defining features of All the Things You Are is its use of rich, modulating harmonies. The song begins in A-flat major, but instead of staying there, it moves through a cycle of ascending fourths, creating a sense of both movement and resolution at the same time. This is what gives the song its lush, almost cinematic feel. If you’ve ever wondered why this tune sounds so sophisticated, it’s because of its harmonic depth.

For jazz guitarists, mastering this tune means understanding not only the changes but also the voice leading that makes them flow so seamlessly. The progression provides endless opportunities for chord substitutions, reharmonizations, and improvisational creativity.

Why Every Jazz Guitarist Should Learn It

If you're serious about jazz, All the Things You Are is essential repertoire. It trains your ear to hear key changes, helps you navigate ii-V-I movements in different tonal centers, and serves as a perfect template for melodic improvisation. Whether you're comping behind a vocalist or taking a solo, this tune is a playground for harmonic exploration.

Want to hear it in action? Check out my full performance of All the Things You Are and see how these theoretical concepts translate into sound. CLICK HERE

JS
 jonshields.org
 guitarbook.org



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

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