Description

The Preacher – Horace Silver Big Band Chart Arranged by Bill Fulton

Bring the joyful, gospel-infused spirit of hard bop to your jazz ensemble with The Preacher big band chart. Originally composed by legendary jazz pianist Horace Silver, this classic 1955 Blue Note hit has been masterfully expanded into a full 17-piece jazz orchestra score by arranger and composer Bill Fulton. It captures the soulful call-and-response energy of the original quintet while providing driving brass hits and rich sax section voicings.

Gospel Soul Meets Contemporary Jazz Orchestra

When Horace Silver wrote this tune, he introduced a down-home, barroom-style shuffle that became a defining cornerstone of hard bop. This updated version of The Preacher big band chart respects that historic heritage while introducing modern ensemble reharmonizations, crisp horn counter-melodies, and flexible solo sections for your featured players.

Whether you direct a high school jazz band, a college ensemble, or a professional big band, this arrangement delivers an infectious groove that audiences love. Furthermore, the chart is voiced to sound full and authoritative without taxing your lead players. To learn more about the fascinating recording history of this composition, read about the track on the The Preacher Wikipedia reference page.

Arranger’s Notes & Performance Guidance

• Backbeat & Groove: Ensure the rhythm section maintains a solid, laid-back swing feel with emphasis on beat two and four to capture the authentic gospel flavor.
• Horn Articulation: Keep brass accents clean and snappy during the call-and-response sections to let the lead vocal-style lines shine through.
• Solos & Improvisation: Includes open solo sections over classic blues-based chord changes, making it accessible for intermediate to advanced soloists.

Arrangement Specifications & Details

Explore More Big Band Charts & Sheet Music

Looking to build an exciting concert set list? Browse our complete library of jazz ensemble arrangements in the Big Band Arrangements & Charts Store.

If you perform solo keyboard gigs or need solo transcriptions, explore our full library of Solo Piano Sheet Music.

To view full discography details, composition commissions, and live performance updates, visit the official Bill Fulton Home Page.

Instrumentation:

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

Genre: jazz modern big band