Alison 1977

Alison big band arrangement by Bill Fulton dates from 2017, when Bob Noval commissioned Fulton to arrange the song for big band. The chart brings Elvis Costello’s classic song into a full big band setting. Musicians performed the arrangement at a Knights of Columbus event in Palmdale, California.

Alison Big Band Arrangement

Bill Fulton arranged Alison for big band while retaining the identity and character of the original song. Elvis Costello wrote and recorded Alison for his 1977 debut album, My Aim Is True. The memorable melody and harmonic structure offer strong material for a large jazz ensemble treatment.

Bob Noval commissioned this Alison big band arrangement from Bill Fulton in 2017. Fulton adapted the song to take advantage of the expanded colors and textures of a big band. The arrangement adds the power and variety of a large ensemble while keeping the song’s distinctive melodic character at the center.

Arranging Pop and Rock Songs for Big Band

Adapting a well-known song for big band involves more than distributing the original material among additional instruments. An arranger must preserve the recognizable melody and harmonic foundation while creating effective ensemble writing. Brass, saxophones and rhythm section can introduce new backgrounds, countermelodies, dynamic contrasts and changes in orchestral texture.

Bill Fulton writes arrangements for big bands, little big bands, orchestras, chamber ensembles and other instrumental combinations. His catalog includes original compositions as well as arrangements of jazz, pop and rock material. Each ensemble offers different possibilities for harmony, texture, dynamics and instrumental color.

About the Original Alison

Elvis Costello wrote and recorded Alison for his debut album, My Aim Is True, which arrived in 1977. The song became one of Costello’s best-known early compositions. Visit the official Elvis Costello website to learn more about the original song.

More Big Band Arrangements by Bill Fulton

Explore more big band arrangements and charts by Bill Fulton. You can also visit the arranging, composing and orchestration credits page to discover additional commissioned projects and professional arranging work.

Bill Fulton also accepts commissions for custom arrangements, orchestrations and original compositions. Visit the contact page to inquire about a project.

Year: 2017
Job Category: Arranger
Title: Alison 1977
Ensemble: big band
Client: Bob Noval
Description: Event at Knights of Columbus Palmdale CA
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)