Here's That Rainy Day (T.Davies)

Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke’s timeless standard "Here’s That Rainy Day"—originally introduced in the 1953 Broadway musical *Carnival in Flanders* and later immortalized by Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker, and countless jazz icons—receives a breathtaking, contemporary big band reinvention from renowned arranger, composer, and orchestrator Tim Davies. Known for his virtuosic writing for modern jazz orchestras and major motion picture soundtracks alike, Davies approaches this melancholic masterwork not as a nostalgic retread, but as a sweeping, emotionally charged canvas. This chart bridges the gap between classic mid-century vocal jazz harmony and contemporary progressive big band textures, transforming a familiar melody into an immersive, deeply cinematic journey. Unfolding as a lush, expressive ballad with an underlying rubato-to-groove elasticity, the arrangement explores rich, extended harmonies and gorgeous, shifting chord voicings that highlight Davies’ mastery of color. The mood shifts masterfully from introspective, rainy-day melancholy to soaring, dynamic release. Davies crafts exquisite woodwind-heavy soli sections that breathe with organic flexibility, utilizing subtle pastel textures in the saxes and muted brass to evoke a misty, late-night atmosphere. Rather than relying on a standard swing beat right out of the gate, the chart utilizes a rubato intro before settling into a sophisticated, unhurried pulse that allows the melody to dictate the emotional pacing. The arrangement prominently features a soaring Solo Trumpet, demanding a player with exceptional tone control, lyrical maturity, and the ability to navigate high-register lyricism with warmth and restraint. Alto Saxophone 1 and Tenor Saxophone 1 also share vital thematic responsibilities, carrying intricate counter-melodies and interwoven lines that require pristine intonation and blend. Technically demanding due to its sophisticated harmonic language, subtle rhythmic nuances, and exposed ensemble writing, this chart avoids sheer physical volume in favor of dynamic sensitivity, requiring absolute precision in balance and phrasing. Advanced college ensembles, elite community jazz orchestras, and professional big bands will find this chart an extraordinary centerpiece for a concert program. It offers a sophisticated alternative to standard swinger-heavy setlists, rewarding mature musicianship, deep listening across sections, and a refined sense of ensemble phrasing. Conductor and band alike will discover profound musical satisfaction in navigating Davies’ luminous harmonic architecture and expressive narrative arc. Navigating Tim Davies’ sophisticated treatment of "Here’s That Rainy Day" requires rigorous attention to balance, intonation, and subtle rubric shifts. The primary technical challenge lies in the execution of lush, extended tertian and quartal voicings; horn sections must meticulously tune inner voices to let the rich harmonic colors bloom without sounding forced. The tempo should remain flexible yet anchored, avoiding a rigid click-track feel during the atmospheric rubato segments. Conductor focus should center on seamless transitions between the exposed, delicate muted-brass passages and the swelling, full-ensemble climaxes. Players must treat dynamic markings as absolute, ensuring that background figures never obscure the featured Solo Trumpet or lead woodwinds. Rehearsal time is best spent isolating the dense harmonic shifts in the sax section and ensuring the rhythm section maintains an ultra-transparent, supportive bed of sound that breathes with the soloist. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this publication? A: The 57-page set includes a full conductor score and parts for an 18-instrument big band instrumentation, featuring Solo Trumpet, Alto Saxophone 1, Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, standard brass, and a full rhythm section. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for collegiate, top-tier high school, community, and professional big bands that possess strong technical command and mature ensemble sensitivity. Q: What is the style and historical context of this piece? A: Based on the classic Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke standard, this chart reimagines the traditional ballad style through a contemporary, cinematic lens characteristic of modern progressive jazz composition. Q: What makes Tim Davies' arrangement unique? A: It stands out through its lush, modern extended harmonies, exquisite woodwind writing, and a narrative-driven emotional arc that elevates the source material far beyond a typical stock big band chart. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of the piece? A: The piece functions primarily as an expressive, unhurried ballad with elastic phrasing, typically clocking in around 5 to 6 minutes depending on the pacing of the featured trumpet solo.