Somewhere in September little big band (6 horns) arrangement by Bill Fulton

Description

From the Bill Fulton 2009 cd release “About 12:00am.” This is without a doubt one of my favorite tunes in the Bill Fulton collection. It is not hard to play but your band (and audience) will enjoy the voice leading as well as the uncomplicated chord changes to solo over.

Somewhere in September jazz arrangement by Bill Fulton is an original composition scored for a 6-horn little big band and rhythm section. The chart combines the color and harmonic depth of a larger jazz ensemble with the flexibility of a more compact group. As a result, it is well suited to professional ensembles, college jazz groups, and advanced musicians looking for distinctive contemporary jazz repertoire.

Somewhere in September Jazz Arrangement for 6 Horns

This arrangement uses six horns to create a fuller ensemble sound than a typical small jazz group. Rather than simply doubling lines, the horn writing provides independent colors, harmonized passages, backgrounds, and ensemble textures. Therefore, each instrumental voice contributes to the overall character of the arrangement.

The rhythm section also plays an important role. Piano, bass, drums, and the other rhythm instruments support the horn writing while maintaining the flow and character of the composition. Meanwhile, the arrangement moves between more transparent passages and fuller ensemble writing. This contrast gives the music shape while allowing individual instrumental colors to remain clear.

An Original Bill Fulton Little Big Band Composition

Somewhere in September is one of Bill Fulton’s original jazz compositions and was recorded for his 2009 album About 12:00am. The composition reflects Fulton’s approach to contemporary jazz writing, in which melody, harmony, orchestration, and rhythm work together as parts of a unified arrangement.

Because this is a Somewhere in September jazz arrangement for six horns, the chart offers more orchestral possibilities than a conventional four-horn little big band. Consequently, the additional voices allow for broader voicings, stronger ensemble passages, and greater contrast between sections while retaining the agility of a smaller group.

6-Horn Little Big Band Writing

A six-horn ensemble occupies an interesting space between a small jazz group and a traditional big band. It can produce substantial harmonic weight without requiring a full saxophone, trumpet, and trombone section. In addition, the smaller instrumentation allows individual players to remain prominent. This makes the format especially effective for original contemporary jazz compositions such as Somewhere in September.

For more music written for compact jazz ensembles, browse Bill Fulton’s little big band arrangements and charts. You can also explore the big band arrangements for music written for larger horn sections.

About the Composer and Arranger

Bill Fulton is a professional composer, arranger, orchestrator, pianist, and keyboardist whose work spans jazz, big band, orchestral music, film, television, and recording projects. His catalog includes original compositions as well as arrangements for ensembles ranging from small horn groups to full big band and orchestra.

To learn more about jazz composition and the musical tradition behind this style of writing, visit the Smithsonian Jazz resources. You can also explore Bill Fulton Music for additional recordings, arrangements, compositions, and professional credits.

Instrumentation:

• Alto sax
• Tenor sax
• Baritone sax
• 2 Trumpets
• Trombone
• Guitar
• Piano/Keyboard
• Bass
• Drums

Genre: jazz