Round Midnight (About 12:00 AM) big band arrangement by Bill Fulton

Description

Bring a Latin Funk Fusion Twist to a Jazz Classic

Looking to energize your jazz ensemble with a fresh take on an iconic standard? This Round Midnight big band arrangement by Bill Fulton transforms Thelonious Monk’s masterpiece into a high-energy Latin funk fusion showcase. Opening with a pensive piano solo, the chart quickly shifts into a driving rhythm section groove that will captivate your audience and challenge your horn section.

Originally recorded on Bill Fulton’s album About 12:00am, this full big band chart builds on the popular octet version by expanding the horn voicings across a full 17-piece ensemble. It retains the signature melodic beauty of Monk’s original tune while injecting modern syncopation and dynamic ensemble punch.

Instrumentation and Band Layout

This Round Midnight big band arrangement is scored for standard 17-piece big band instrumentation, making it an easy fit for high school, college, and professional jazz bands:

• Saxes: 5 Saxes (2 Altos, 2 Tenors, 1 Baritone)
• Trumpets: 4 Trumpets
• Trombones: 4 Trombones
• Rhythm Section: Guitar, Piano/Keyboard, Electric Bass, Drums

Performance Highlights & Features

Unlike traditional ballad interpretations of Monk’s standard, this chart brings several distinctive performance elements to the stage:

• Pensive Piano Intro: Sets a deep, reflective mood before the groove drops.
• Syncopated Latin Funk Groove: Keeps the rhythm section tight while giving the horns rich, punchy accents.
• Expanded Horn Voicings: Provides lush full-ensemble brass passages that soar over the groove.
• Great Solos: Offers built-in solo opportunities over accessible yet sophisticated harmonic changes.

If you are working with a smaller group, be sure to check out the Round Midnight little big band arrangement scored for 4 horns plus rhythm. You can also explore our full catalog of big band arrangements and charts to find your next performance piece.

To hear the octet version that inspired this chart, listen to the About 12:00 AM CD album or read about the origins of Thelonious Monk’s ‘Round Midnight.

Instrumentation:

• 5 Saxes
• 4 Trumpets
• 4 Trombones
• Guitar
• Piano/Keyboard
• Electric Bass
• Drums

Genre: latin jazz