“Oleo” was composed by Sonny Rollins and first recorded in 1954 with Miles Davis. Named after margarine, it’s one of the most popular “rhythm changes” tunes, meaning it’s built on the chord progression of George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm.” It’s a staple at jam sessions and a great way to learn this essential progression.
The form is a 32-bar AABA in Bb. The A sections use rhythm changes: Bb, G7 (or Gm7), Cm7, F7, repeated with variations, plus a move to the IV chord and back. The bridge follows the classic pattern of dominant chords moving around the circle of fifths: D7, G7, C7, F7, two bars each. On the original recording, the bridge is played without a written melody, leaving it open for improvisation.
For improvisation on the A sections, Bb major pentatonic and bebop lines both work well. Target chord tones on the G7 and C7 to outline the changes. On the bridge, play the third of each dominant (F#, B, E, A) on beat one, which creates a clear guide-tone line. Rhythm changes are fast and busy, so practice phrases that connect the chords smoothly.
Practice the head slowly until its syncopated rhythm feels natural, then increase speed. Learn rhythm changes in Bb thoroughly, since many other tunes, like “Anthropology” and “Moose the Mooche,” use the same progression. Then practice soloing with a play-along at medium tempo.
Transposing tip: Bb instruments read it in C, Eb instruments in G. Rhythm changes in your instrument’s key are worth memorizing.
Is it hard to play? At slow tempos it’s very approachable, and it’s the ideal first rhythm changes tune.
Common mistake: getting lost on the bridge. Count the two-bar dominants. Recordings to study: the 1954 Miles Davis recording and Rollins’s later versions. Learn more about the composer on Sonny Rollins’s Wikipedia page, and find more rhythm changes tunes on Minedit.