Bubala Dance Transcription

Bubala Dance transcription by Bill Fulton was prepared in 2005 for saxophonist Ernie Watts. The piece was written by Ernie Watts and jazz pianist Jeremy Monteiro. Fulton prepared the music for a combo setting as part of his professional arranging and music preparation work.

The Bubala Dance and Ernie Watts

“The Bubala Dance” appears on Ernie Watts’s 2005 album Spirit Song. In fact, it is the seventh track on the recording. The album features Watts with his longtime quartet and combines original jazz compositions with selected works by other composers.

The piece also reflects the musical relationship between Watts and Jeremy Monteiro. Both musicians have collaborated extensively as performers and composers. As a result, “The Bubala Dance” became part of their shared jazz repertoire.

Bill Fulton completed this transcription during the same period in which the composition appeared on Spirit Song. His work involved preparing the music for a combo ensemble. Therefore, the project forms part of Fulton’s broader catalog of professional transcription, arranging, and music preparation assignments.

Jazz Transcription for Combo

Professional transcription requires careful attention to the details of an existing piece of music. For example, the musician preparing the score must identify pitches, rhythms, harmony, form, voicings, and instrumental roles. In addition, a useful transcription must present those elements clearly for the musicians who will perform the music.

Fulton has worked as a professional arranger, orchestrator, composer, and music preparer for recordings, concerts, television, film, and live performances. This project represents the transcription side of that work rather than a newly composed piece.

Because “The Bubala Dance” is rooted in contemporary jazz, the transcription also requires an understanding of jazz harmony, rhythm, ensemble writing, and improvisational form. Those elements help preserve the musical character of the original composition while producing practical written parts for the ensemble.

About the Project

Year: 2005
Job category: Transcription
Title: The Bubala Dance
Ensemble: Combo
Client: Ernie Watts
Composers: Ernie Watts and Jeremy Monteiro
Related recording: Spirit Song

Learn more about Bill Fulton’s arranging, composing, orchestration, and transcription work. You can also visit Ernie Watts’s official website for information about his recordings, performances, and career.

Year: 2005
Job Category: Transcription
Title: Bubala Dance
Ensemble: combo
Client: Ernie Watts
Description: Spirit Song
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)