Ted Heath

Alligator Crawl

Alligator Crawl is one of Thomas 'Fats' Waller's most popular tunes, played by jazz bands the world over. This big band version was recorded by the Ted Heath orchestra and it bounces along at a reasonably up-tempo swing pace. A good dance tempo too. Whilst most of the chart is fine ensemble and sectional work, there is a written Piano solo very much in the Waller mode. We have modified the original chart to reduce the Trumpet ranges in the intro and ending, without losing the flavour and feel of the original concept. (The original demanded high G and E for the lead and second. Our modification only calls for high E in the lead voice.) This is a rousing and happy chart that will get dancers on the floor. There are no sax doubles.