You Give Good Love for Big Band

You Give Good Love big band arrangement by Bill Fulton was written for the Tex Beneke Big Band with Connie Stevens. The band performed the arrangement live at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza in 2010. This project represents Fulton’s work arranging music for a professional large jazz ensemble and featured vocalist.

You Give Good Love for Big Band

Writing for big band requires careful attention to balance, range, orchestral color, and the relationship between the vocalist and ensemble. In addition, an arranger must give each section a clear musical role. Brass, saxophones, and rhythm section can provide power and variety while still leaving space for the singer.

For this project, Bill Fulton prepared the music for the Tex Beneke Big Band and Connie Stevens. The performance setting called for a full big band sound suitable for a live concert presentation. As a result, the arrangement belongs to Fulton’s body of professional work for established performers and large ensembles.

Arranging for a Featured Vocalist

A successful vocal big band chart supports the singer rather than competing with the melody. Therefore, ensemble writing must create contrast while keeping the vocal line clear. Background figures can add movement and energy. Meanwhile, brass and saxophone passages can expand the arrangement between vocal phrases and during instrumental sections.

Big band arranging also offers a wide range of textures. For example, an arranger can move from light accompaniment to full ensemble writing within a single performance. Changes in register, dynamics, orchestration, and density help shape the overall arc of the music. These choices allow the band to complement both the song and the featured performer.

Bill Fulton Big Band Arranging

Bill Fulton works as an arranger, composer, orchestrator, and keyboardist. His arranging portfolio includes music for big band, little big band, orchestra, chamber ensembles, strings, horns, and other professional settings. Consequently, each project can call for a different approach to instrumentation and musical style.

The 2010 performance of You Give Good Love with the Tex Beneke Big Band and Connie Stevens is one example of that work. It also reflects Fulton’s experience preparing arrangements for live performance and established professional ensembles.

Explore more of Bill Fulton’s arranging and composing work, or browse his big band arrangements. For information about custom arranging, orchestration, or other music projects, contact Bill Fulton Music.

Year: 2010
Job Category: Arranger
Title: You Give Good Love_big band
Ensemble: big band
Client: Tex Beneke Big Band with Connie Stevens
Description: Tex Beneke Big Band / Connie Stevens live at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza
Get arrangement: link to arrangement (pending)