New Religion big band arrangement by Bill Fulton

Description

Experience the power of gospel-inspired jazz with Bill Fulton’s new big band arrangement. This chart excludes the rubato solo piano intro, allowing you to create your own unique introduction. As heard on Fulton’s 2002 album, “Time”, this octet version is similar to the big band sound and will have your listeners swaying and dancing.

New Religion big band arrangement by Bill Fulton combines gospel-inspired jazz with funk energy in a full big band setting. Written for 13 horns and rhythm section, the chart delivers a strong ensemble sound while leaving room for the band to bring its own personality to the performance. Moreover, the arrangement balances rhythmic drive with the rich colors of a traditional big band.

The composition was heard on Fulton’s 2002 album Time in an octet version. However, this edition expands the concept for full big band. As a result, directors and performers can explore the piece with a broader brass and saxophone palette while retaining the character of the original music.

About the New Religion big band arrangement

The chart draws on gospel, jazz, and funk influences. Consequently, the rhythm section plays an important role in establishing the groove, while the horn sections provide weight, contrast, and ensemble impact. The writing is designed to sound energetic without losing clarity between the sections.

In addition, this version does not include the rubato solo piano introduction heard with the original piece. Therefore, the pianist or director can create an original introduction, begin directly with the written arrangement, or develop an opening that suits a particular performance.

Instrumentation for New Religion

The New Religion big band arrangement uses standard full big band forces with a complete rhythm section:

• 5 saxophones
• 4 trumpets
• 4 trombones
• Guitar
• Piano/keyboard
• Electric bass
• Drums

Because the scoring uses five saxophones, four trumpets, and four trombones, the arrangement offers the power and range expected from a full big band. At the same time, guitar, keyboard, electric bass, and drums provide the rhythmic foundation needed for its gospel- and funk-influenced character.

Gospel-inspired jazz for big band

New Religion is a good choice for ensembles looking beyond traditional swing repertoire. While its instrumentation is firmly rooted in the big band tradition, its musical language incorporates contemporary groove-oriented elements. Therefore, it can provide useful contrast in a concert or festival program that also includes swing, Latin, ballad, or straight-ahead jazz selections.

Directors looking for additional music can browse Bill Fulton’s big band arrangements and charts. You can also explore his little big band arrangements for music written for smaller horn sections.

Explore more about big band and jazz music

For additional background on jazz and its history, visit the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. You can also explore jazz education resources through Jazz at Lincoln Center. Both resources provide broader context for the musical tradition behind contemporary big band writing.

With its combination of gospel influence, jazz harmony, funk rhythm, and full ensemble scoring, New Religion gives big bands an energetic contemporary selection with a distinctive character.

Instrumentation:

• 5 saxes
• 4 trumpets
• 4 trombones
• guitar
• piano/keyboard
• bass (electric)
• drums

Genre: jazz / funk