A Creative Approach to Standards pt 2: Nobody Else But Me

John Stowell and Jamie Taylor continue their conversation on creative approaches to standards, this time using "Nobody Else But Me" — Jerome Kern's last song, added to the 1940s revival of Show Boat — as a context for exploring harmony, melody, and improvisation on a beautiful but lesser-known tune.

What's covered

• Variations on standard diatonic harmony, and how jazz practice often differs from a composer's original sheet
• Using the melody to internalize the form and build motific solos — taking rhythmic liberties while keeping the tune recognizable, the way singers like Ella Fitzgerald do
• Modulations and open string voicings
• Diminished chords understood as altered dominant chords
• Cadences you can lift from this tune and apply to other standards
• Why it's worth keeping some obscure repertoire for your own gigs and recordings

Alongside the discussion, John and Jamie each interpret the melody, then trade choruses and fours over the changes. A natural follow-on from Part 1 (on "Someday My Prince Will Come"), and a window into how two thoughtful players think about a standard from the inside.