Splash!

The Splash big band arrangement was created by Bill Fulton for composer and trumpet player Mihai Sorohan in 2017. Fulton expanded Sorohan’s original composition for a full jazz ensemble while preserving the musical identity of the piece. The project brought the energy of “Splash!” into a larger setting with the color, power, and variety of a big band.

Arranging “Splash!” for Big Band

Mihai Sorohan originally released “Splash!” on his 2015 EP Watercolors. Two years later, Bill Fulton arranged the composition for big band. The expanded format offered many new possibilities. In particular, the saxophones, trumpets, and trombones could add contrasting textures, ensemble passages, and changes in intensity.

However, a successful large-ensemble treatment requires more than adding instruments. The arrangement must support the composition’s original character. Therefore, Fulton shaped the material so that the larger horn section could enhance the music without overwhelming its central ideas.

This commission also reflects Fulton’s approach to custom arranging. Each project begins with the composer’s music and the intended ensemble. From there, he develops a practical arrangement that gives the players clear musical roles. As a result, the finished chart can combine detailed ensemble writing with space for individual expression.

From Big Band Chart to World Jazz Collective

The music later took on another form. In 2020, World Jazz Collective recorded a combo version of “Splash!” at Beatstone Studio in Bergen, Norway. That version used material from Fulton’s earlier big band chart while adapting it for a smaller group.

The session featured trumpet, alto saxophone and alto flute, tenor saxophone, trombone, piano, bass guitar, and drums. Consequently, the recording presents the composition through a compact jazz ensemble while retaining elements developed for the larger arrangement.

You can read the personnel and production credits on the related World Jazz Collective “Splash!” studio session page. You can also watch the 2020 studio performance on YouTube.

Custom Jazz Arranging by Bill Fulton

“Splash!” is one example of Bill Fulton’s commissioned work for composers, performers, and bandleaders. His arranging experience includes full big bands, little big bands, horn sections, jazz combos, orchestras, and chamber ensembles.

Explore more projects in Bill Fulton’s arranging and orchestration credits. If you need an original composition adapted for a specific ensemble, visit the contact page to discuss instrumentation, musical direction, and project requirements.

Year: 2017
Job Category: Arranger
Title: Splash!
Ensemble: big band
Client: Mihai Sarohan
Description:
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)