Edition: Jazz Studio Orchestra Arrangement with Vocal

Description: Swing - Medium

Publisher: Jazz Lines Publications

Although the lyrics definitely make this song a product of its time, Sleepy Time Gal possesses a pleasant melody and harmonic progression, made even more amenable by Dean Martin's eternally casual vocals and Pete King's simple, yet effective, arrangement. Said arrangement not only provides solid support for a vocalist, but also allows some brief moments for your instrumental soloists to shine, as well. This arrangement was written by Pete King for the 1958 Dean Martin recording session conducted by Frank Sinatra and released as Sleep Warm. The orchestra contained many of the Sinatra regulars including Bill Miller, Joe Comfort, Conrad Gozzo, George Roberts, Al Viola, and Alvin Stoller.

A cutesy woodwind riff sets the stage for Martin's entrance at measure 5. Most of the accompaniment in the first half of the melody comes in the form of simple riffs in the woodwinds and brass, with the second half containing mostly gentle pads from the string section. A brief ensemble riff sets up a half-chorus that shifts attention to the ensemble. The first 8 measures are carried by a Tommy Dorsey-esque trombone solo, followed by 8 measures of clarinet that are more than slightly inspired by Wilbur Schwartz.

Although Martin returns for the remainder of the arrangement beginning at measure 53, there are some brief, simple solo trumpet fills around the melody at first to allow for some more instrumental fun before returning the spotlight solely to the vocals at measure 61. The last section is similar to the initial melodic finale, but breaks away for the final few measures. A simple descending brass line over Martin's final note set up a basic riff to bring things to a crisp conclusion.

This publication was based on Pete King's original score with the exception of four bars that had to be transcribed from the recording because they were changed during the recording session. A synthesizer part is included that may be used in place of the strings.

 

Full Score
Vocal
Woodwind 1: Flute/Clarinet
Woodwind 2: Clarinet
Woodwind 3: Flute/Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet
Woodwind 4: Clarinet/Tenor Saxophone/Bass Clarinet
Woodwind 5: Flute/Bass Clarinet
3 Trumpets
3 Trombones
2 Violins
Viola
Cello
Harp
Guitar
Piano
Bass
Drums (with cowbell)
Synthesizer (alternate part for strings)

Vocal Key: Eb
Trumpet 1: C6
Trombones 1 and 2: Bb4