Lean baby was written by Billy May for his own orchestra, and first recorded in 1951. May then used the chart as the theme tune for the band. The arrangement is transcribed "as played" by the BM orchestra, and we have written out the Tenor and Piano solos in full, though your players can improvise from the chords if they prefer. We have also written the correct articulations in the saxes to help you players achieve the BM 'scooped' sound in the right places. Like most May charts, it is powerful, punchy, occasionally musically irreverent, but always good to play. There are no sax doubles.