Harry James

Sleepy Lagoon

Although composed originally as a waltz, this version from the Harry James orchestra is firmly in 4:4 time. Alan Glasscock has transcribed and adapted this chart beautifully, and has removed the strings and re-scored them into the band, making this chart playable with a standard 5,4,4,4 line up. The arrangement features Trumpet, as you might expect with a James chart, and also a solo spot for Trombone. This is a really lush, fat tune, full of dynamic contrast and soaring modulations. Your Pianist will need to be nimble and smooth in the intro, to make the rolling arpeggio figures flow like the waves lapping on a tropical shore. There are some Sax doubles too; both Altos use Clarinets, Baritone doubles Alto and Lead Alto has a toot of Flute in the intro.