Secrets of Knowing (The) little big band arrangement by Bill Fulton

Description

A straight-eighths composition by Bill Fulton featuring piano and alto sax solo. Some unexpected uses of orchestration and use of the band’s lower end for melodic content.

The Secrets of Knowing little big band chart is an original jazz-fusion composition and arrangement by Bill Fulton. Written for four horns and rhythm section, the piece combines a straight-eighths feel with featured piano and alto sax solos. Creative orchestration and prominent low-register writing give the chart its own distinctive character.

The Secrets of Knowing Little Big Band Chart

This arrangement uses a compact horn section of alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet, and trombone. Guitar, piano or keyboard, bass, and drums complete the rhythm section. The instrumentation gives the ensemble plenty of color while retaining the flexibility of a smaller jazz group.

Fulton uses the ensemble in several unexpected ways. Instead of keeping the lower voices only in a supporting role, the arrangement brings them forward for melodic material. As a result, the chart offers contrast between strong ensemble passages, featured soloists, and lower-register textures.

Jazz-Fusion Writing for Little Big Band

The straight-eighths groove places the music firmly in a contemporary jazz-fusion setting. Piano and alto sax both receive solo features, giving performers room to shape the piece through improvisation. Meanwhile, the written ensemble passages provide structure and variety around those solos.

The The Secrets of Knowing little big band chart works well for groups that want contemporary jazz material without the instrumentation of a full big band. Its four-horn scoring also makes it practical for rehearsal, performance, and recording situations where a smaller ensemble is preferred.

Instrumentation

• Alto sax
• Tenor sax
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Guitar
• Piano/Keyboard
• Bass
• Drums

About the Arrangement

Bill Fulton composed and arranged The Secrets of Knowing with the sound of a little big band in mind. The chart balances ensemble writing with space for individual musicians. Its combination of straight-eighths rhythms, solo features, and unconventional orchestration makes it a strong choice for ensembles looking for original jazz-fusion repertoire.

Explore more little big band arrangements and charts by Bill Fulton. For background on the style, see the overview of jazz fusion.

Genre: Jazz Fusion

Instrumentation:

• Alto sax
• Tenor sax
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Guitar
• Piano/Keyboard
• Bass
• Drums

Genre: jazz fusion