The Second Time Around

Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn crafted "The Second Time Around" in 1960 for the musical film *High Time*, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Quickly embraced by the jazz pantheon, the melody found its definitive vocal interpretations through icons like Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, transforming the lush cinematic ballad into a staple of the Great American Songbook. Its sophisticated harmonic progression and bittersweet, nostalgic lyrical themes offer an ideal framework for jazz ensemble interpretation, balancing romantic warmth with subtle melancholy. This standard big band arrangement treats the timeless theme with a lush, sophisticated harmonic palette typical of mid-century studio jazz writing. Moving at a relaxed, graceful medium-swing tempo, the chart evokes the smoky atmosphere of a late-night supper club. The mood shifts effortlessly between intimate, sparse ensemble textures and sweeping, cinematic climaxes. Warm brass voicings and rich saxophone block harmonies build a sophisticated sonic landscape that captures the bittersweet optimism of the lyric, allowing the ensemble to explore deep dynamic contrast and expressive rubato-style phrasing within a steady groove. The arrangement opens with a delicate, atmospheric introduction before the woodwinds and muted brass gently state the primary melody. The arrangement cleverly distributes thematic material across the sections, giving the alto and tenor saxophones rich counter-melodies that weave beneath the main line. A featured improvised solo—ideally suited for an expressive tenor saxophonist or trumpeter—unfolds over a refined jazz-blues-inflected chord progression, backed by comping piano and subtle brushwork from the drum set. The chart culminates in a tasteful, flowing shout chorus that expands the dynamic range without rushing the tempo, ultimately resolving into a quiet, evocative coda that mirrors the opening mood. Advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands will find this chart an exceptional vehicle for developing stylistic maturity and sectional blend. Because the arrangement relies heavily on precise intonation, breath support, and subtle dynamic shading rather than sheer technical velocity, it serves as an invaluable masterclass in ballad and medium-swing interpretation. Ensembles that prioritize ensemble listening, balance, and lyrical phrasing will discover a deeply rewarding centerpiece for any formal concert program or festival performance. Navigating this arrangement successfully requires a mature approach to time-feel and dynamic control. The rhythm section must anchor the medium-swing groove with absolute authority; the drummer should favor crisp, understated cymbal work and light brush textures during the head, avoiding heavy foot-pedal accents that could bog down the relaxed tempo. Horn players should prioritize a warm, centered tone, ensuring that block-chord voicings in the saxophones and brass blend seamlessly without any single voice sticking out. Pay close attention to dynamic markings: the contrast between the intimate, muted ensemble passages and the fuller, open-bell statements is what gives this chart its emotional weight. When executing the melodic lines, strive for a smooth, legato phrasing style that mimics a master vocalist, treating each phrase as a continuous vocal line rather than a series of isolated notes. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this big band arrangement? A: The 17-instrument instrumentation follows standard contemporary big band writing, featuring a full rhythm section (including drum set), multiple saxophones (Alto Saxophone 2, Tenor Saxophone 1, Tenor Saxophone 2, Baritone Saxophone, plus additional standard saxophone parts within the 17-piece spread), and corresponding trumpet and trombone sections across 19 total pages of music. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This chart is best suited for advanced high school, collegiate, and professional community big bands. While it does not demand extreme technical velocity, it requires a high degree of maturity in intonation, section blend, and subtle swing phrasing. Q: What is the historical background and style of "The Second Time Around"? A: Originally composed by Jimmy Van Heusen with lyrics by Sammy Cahn in 1960 for the film *High Time*, this piece is a classic jazz standard from the Great American Songbook, made famous by vocal legends like Frank Sinatra and presented here as a sophisticated medium-swing jazz ensemble chart. Q: What makes this particular big band arrangement unique? A: The chart stands out for its lush harmonic voicings and clever redistribution of the melody between the saxophone and brass sections, creating a dynamic texture that balances intimate, vocal-like phrasing with rich, cinematic ensemble climaxes. Q: What is the performance duration and tempo feel of this arrangement? A: The arrangement is set in a relaxed, comfortable medium-swing tempo (typically around quarter note = 108–116 BPM) and runs for approximately 3.5 to 4.5 minutes, depending on the length of the improvised solo choruses taken.