Rose Room

Although Harry James was, rightfully and appropriately, the main star of the many bands he led beginning in the 1940s, he was never afraid to share the spotlight with the other talented musicians to come through his ranks. This arrangement of the classic standard 'Rose Room,' was designed to feature one of the Swing Era's most renowned saxophonists, Willie Smith. The arrangement begins with a surprisingly dramatic bent, with a sustained rumble in the lower instruments and rhythm section underpinning a brass fanfare before the melody commences in the clarinet. The backgrounds in the brass are simple plunger-mute-fanning riffs. The ensemble roars to life following the end of the melody with a short ensemble figure beginning at measure 39, providing a much-needed jolt of energy. The solo spotlights begin to be shone at measure 47, starting with a half chorus of trombone, immediately followed by a half chorus of alto saxophone at measure 63. Continuing on from that is a piano solo at measure 79 that lasts for a full chorus. A trumpet solo break at measure 111 brings the full band back into the proceedings, with James screaming atop the band for half a chorus. The volume level drops back down at measure 127 for a saxophone solo with plunger muted trumpets before ramping back up for one final ensemble salvo at measure 135 brings things to a close. This publication was based on the original Andy Gibson pencil score - this is not a transcription.