Free Jazz Standard Sheet Music Downloads

"Alfie's Theme" was composed by Sonny Rollins for the 1966 British film Alfie, starring Michael Caine. Not to be confused with the Burt Bacharach song "Alfie," this is the main theme from Rollins's original score, heard from the opening credits throughout the film.

The theme showcases Rollins's trademark blend of muscular tone and narrative lyricism, musically portraying the protagonist's freewheeling lifestyle. The composition balances expansive improvisation with richly orchestrated ensemble passages, achieving a rare synthesis of cinematic storytelling and straight-ahead jazz artistry.

The definitive recording was made in January 1966 at Rudy Van Gelder's studio, arranged and conducted by Oliver Nelson, with an all-star lineup including Kenny Burrell (guitar), J.J. Johnson (trombone), Phil Woods (alto saxophone), and Roger Kellaway (piano). The album Alfie was released on the Impulse! label.