Al Jarreau Medley – Vocal, Big Band & Strings

Description

Bill Fulton’s Al Jarreau medley for big band and strings features a tenor vocalist, a full big band, strings, and rhythm section. Fulton first created the arrangement in 1987 while studying at the Dick Grove School of Music. In 2024, he returned to that work and prepared this updated arrangement.

The medley brings together “Boogie Down,” “Let’s Pretend,” “Roof Garden,” “After All,” and “Imagination.” Together, these songs offer a varied Al Jarreau vocal feature within one extended performance. The arrangement gives the singer a setting supported by the horns, strings, and rhythm section throughout the medley.

Instrumentation and performance

This edition is scored for tenor vocal, big band, strings, and rhythm section. It suits an ensemble that wants to feature a vocalist while using both its jazz band and string players. The combination gives performers a way to present several Al Jarreau songs as a single programmed work.

ArrangeMe places this title in its “Orchestra” category because the platform does not offer a big band category. That category does not describe the complete instrumentation. If you are considering the chart for a concert or recording, use the scoring listed here when deciding whether it fits your ensemble.

About this arrangement

The 2024 edition reflects Fulton’s return to a project he began more than three decades earlier. It retains the idea of an Al Jarreau medley while presenting the material in an updated arrangement for today’s performers. For Fulton, the chart also connects his early work at the Dick Grove School of Music with his continuing work as an arranger.

A recording of the arrangement is complete and is currently being mixed. Once the demo is available, you will be able to hear how the vocal and ensemble parts work together before selecting the chart for your group.

These will be available for purchase sometime in October 2026. You can also explore more of Bill Fulton’s music and arrangements. This Al Jarreau medley for big band and strings offers a vocal feature drawn from five songs in one score.

Genre: funk, jazz, jazz ballad, latin, pop