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You are here: Home / Guitar Chord Songbook / It’s Only A Paper Moon Guitar Chord Lesson

It’s Only A Paper Moon Guitar Chord Lesson

Image of arrow linking to Chord Songbook It’s Only A Paper Moon              

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 Written by harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y Harburg and Billy Rose, It’s Only a Paper Moon was first published in 1933. Used in the movie Take a Chance Paul Whiteman recorded the first succesful version of the song with vocal by Peggy Healey. Many artists have recorded the song over the years with early success coming from versions by both Ella Fitzgerald and nat King Cole. Very much part of the jazz repetioire I’ve included some of my favourite versions below.
Suggested Listening
 

Martin Taylor

Album -Sketches : A Tribute To Art Tatum

Listen to how Martin sets up the initial groove in this one before he launches into a walking bass line with melody on top. This is something that I cover in the guitar course

 Nat King Cole

Album – The Nat King Cole Story

One of the original recordings of the song. Listen out for the guitar / piano unsin through the first chorus. Once it’s in you’re head it won’t leave.

  

Ray Brown

Album – Ray Brown Trio with Ulf Wakenius

Lovely piano / double bass introduction before the bass takes over with the melody. I love to hear the bass playing the melody and often try to bring out bass lines in my solo guitar arrangements

 

 

Django Reinhardt

Album -The Essential Django Reinhardt

I love the clarity of Django’s solo line playing. look out for him quoting the jazz standard “Salt Peanuts”

 

Earl Klugh

Album – Rhino Hi-Five

This arrangement very much from the Chet Atkins School. Listen out for the Stride Piano effect in the bass

Which artist’s version of It’s Only A Paper Moon would you recommend? Tell me about it and I can feature it here

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