Let the Good Times Roll arrangement
Let the Good Times Roll horn arrangement by Bill Fulton was created in 2001 for vocalist Mark Winkler. Fulton scored the chart for a small band featuring tenor saxophone, trumpet and rhythm section. This compact instrumentation provides two distinctive horn voices while leaving plenty of room for the singer and rhythm section.
Saxophonist Karolyn Kafer referred Fulton for the project. Fulton prepared this chart and “Chattanooga Choo Choo” for the same small ensemble. The musicians rehearsed the arrangements once with Winkler. Although the project did not continue after that rehearsal, both charts became part of Fulton’s arranging portfolio.
Small-Band Approach to a Jump Blues Standard
“Let the Good Times Roll” became closely associated with Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five, who recorded the song in 1946. Written by Sam Theard and Fleecie Moore, it became an enduring jump blues standard.
The character of the song makes it particularly suitable for a small horn-driven ensemble. Rather than relying on the larger sections found in a traditional big band, Fulton’s arrangement uses tenor saxophone and trumpet as its complete horn section. Consequently, every written horn line can play an important role in the texture.
Tenor saxophone brings a full, blues-oriented sound to the ensemble. Trumpet provides a brighter contrast and can strengthen accents, melodic figures and ensemble punches. Together, the two horns can support the vocalist, create background figures and add energy between vocal phrases. Meanwhile, the rhythm section maintains the groove and gives the arrangement its foundation.
Arranging for Two Horns and Rhythm
A two-horn arrangement presents a different challenge from writing for full big band. With fewer instruments available, the arranger must make every line count. There is less opportunity to rely on thick section voicings. Instead, harmony, counterpoint, rhythmic figures and instrumental contrast become especially important.
The Let the Good Times Roll horn arrangement demonstrates Bill Fulton’s work with practical performance ensembles as well as larger groups. Throughout his career, Fulton has arranged music for singers, horn sections, little big bands, full big bands, strings and orchestral ensembles.
Explore more examples in the Bill Fulton arranging and composing portfolio, including commissions and arrangements for a wide range of instrumental combinations.
You can also hear Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five performing “Let the Good Times Roll” for historical context.
Project Details
Year: 2001
Arranger: Bill Fulton
Client: Mark Winkler
Instrumentation: Tenor saxophone, trumpet and rhythm section
Ensemble: Small band with horns
Title: Let the Good Times Roll
Job Category: Arranger
Title: Let the Good Times Roll
Ensemble: small band with horns
Client: Mark Winkler
Description:
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)
