Written in 1945, les feuilles mortes was a popular French song, with lyrics by Jacques Prévert, that was translated to English by Johnny Mercer a few years later. I found this nice a cappella version (I’m not sure who the singer is, but thanks to Jim Clark for the animated video). The English version sung by Nat King Cole became the title track to Robert Aldrich’s melodrama from 1956. (It stars Joan Crawford and Canada’s Lorne Greene. It’s not one of Aldrich’s best films but it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of his work.)

IMPROVISING ON A TUNE

There is so much to learn in this single performance. The way the melody is played by Miles Davis, the contrast between Miles and Cannonball Adderly’s improvisational styles, and the arrangement are good places to start. Phrasing, tone, color, use of space and time: this is a masterpiece in subtley and sophistication.

I’m including Peter Simms’ chart for the tune that oscillates between G major and E minor. It’s not in the key of the Cannonball version (they play in Bb major or G minor). Try to transpose the chart into the key of G minor: all notes up a minor 3rd or down a major 6th.

G = Bb, A = C, B = D, C = Eb, D = F, E = G, F# = A.

Am7 = Cm7, D7 = F7, …

Then, learn the melody and try to play it along with the recording. Then, try to pick out some of the notes from Miles Davis’ solo. His spacious approach is much more accessible than Adderly’s faster, bebop style.