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Bahama Llama's Pajamas (VJCP530-FBB)

comp. & arr. by David Yackley

$45.00 (USD)

 

This product is available for download (in .pdf format) immediately after purchase. Please note that once payment for any VJC Publication download is received and the transaction completed, no refund or cancellation is possible.

 

VJCP530-FBB – Flexible Instrumentation Jazz Ensemble Chart, which has been written to sound complete with as few as 11 pieces or as many as a full (18-piece) big band. The instrumentation is as follows:

 

Alto Sax I, Alto Sax II, Tenor Sax I, Tenor Sax II (opt.), Baritone Sax (opt.)

Trumpet I, Trumpet II, Trumpet III, Trumpet IV (opt.)

Trombone I, Trombone II, Trombone III (opt.), Bass Trombone (IV) (opt.)

Guitar (opt.), Piano, Bass, Drums, Vibraphone (opt.)

 

Description: Bahama Llama’s Pajamas is a buoyant, joyful chart in the Carib­bean calypso style written by David Yackley. This composition provides an ex­cellent introduction to syncopated calypso rhythms and is great fun to play for high school bands of all skill levels.

 

Bahama Llama’s Pajamas begins with a simple riff for muted guitar and bass, doubled by saxophones (clicking their keys in an unconventional orchestration), supported by snapping and clapping from the brass section. The head is stated once more by the trombones, then accompanied by a sax countermelody, fol­lowed by a sax and brass “call & response”, while the initial riff continues in the rhythm section.

 

A sustained lead trumpet melody in the contrasting bridge builds, leading us to a trombone solo. The ensuing two-part sax interlude—with rhythm section and brass interjections—leads to a restatement of the bridge, then the final A section, as the chart essentially journeys backward, recalling the orchestrational approaches found at the top of the chart. Some sustained ensemble chord pyr­amids and drum fills bring the chart home to a strong, satisfying conclusion.

 

This big band arrangement is of intermediate difficulty.

 

While an excerpted audio sample is provided here at the VJC Store, complete recordings of many VJC Publications (including this one) can be found on the VJC YouTube page.

 

Please note: The VJC will never pursue payment of synchroni­zation rights from middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, community colleges, universities, all-state ensembles, church groups, or independent edu­cational programs for young people related to the posting of recorded performan­ces of this work on YouTube or other, similar sites (including social media platforms). While sharing the .pdf files is not permitted, sharing your musical performance online is.

 

All proceeds from sales of VJC Publications go directly to fund the educational programs of the Valley Jazz Cooperative.

Bahama Llama's Pajamas

SKU: VJCP530-FBB
$45.00Price
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© 2025 Valley Jazz Cooperative
The Valley Jazz Cooperative is an outreach of MSW Ministries, a 501(c)(3) organization

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