Straight No Chaser little big band arrangement

Description

This Straight No Chaser little big band arrangement by Bill Fulton brings Thelonious Monk’s classic jazz composition into a compact, high-energy horn setting. Written as an uptempo swing chart, the arrangement combines strong ensemble writing with plenty of room for improvisation. As a result, it works well for jazz concerts, club performances, festivals, and other settings where a smaller horn section still needs the excitement of a larger jazz ensemble.

The arrangement originally appeared on Bill Fulton’s 2009 album About 12:00am. The recording reflects Fulton’s approach to little big band writing: a compact instrumentation, clearly defined ensemble passages, and enough harmonic and rhythmic activity to create a full jazz orchestra sound without requiring a standard big band.

Open Solos, Shout Chorus, and Drum Feature

The Straight No Chaser little big band arrangement gives the musicians several opportunities to stretch out. Open solo sections allow performers to develop their own ideas while keeping the energy moving forward. Then, the chart builds into an exciting shout chorus that brings the horn section together with strong rhythmic figures and tightly coordinated ensemble writing.

In addition, the arrangement includes a featured drum solo. This creates another change of texture before the ensemble returns for the final section. The chart ultimately leads to an unusual and deliberately surprising ending, giving the performance a memorable finish rather than simply repeating a conventional jazz ending.

Little Big Band Instrumentation

The horn section uses alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Guitar, piano or keyboard, bass, and drums complete the rhythm section. Therefore, the chart provides much of the color and impact associated with big band writing while remaining practical for groups with fewer horn players.

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

A Classic Thelonious Monk Tune in a Compact Jazz Setting

Straight No Chaser remains one of Thelonious Monk’s best-known jazz compositions. Its distinctive melodic shapes and blues-based language give arrangers and improvisers plenty to work with. Learn more about Monk and his music at the official Thelonious Monk website.

Fulton’s arrangement keeps the tune’s unmistakable jazz character while expanding it into a performance vehicle for the entire ensemble. Rather than treating the melody as a simple head arrangement, the chart develops the material through ensemble passages, solos, the shout chorus, and the featured drums.

Explore More Little Big Band Arrangements

Musicians looking for additional compact jazz ensemble charts can browse Bill Fulton’s complete collection of little big band arrangements. You can also explore Fulton’s discography and recording credits, including the 2009 About 12:00am album on which this arrangement originally appeared.

For bands that want an energetic Monk tune with improvisation, ensemble punch, and a strong concert finish, this Straight No Chaser little big band arrangement offers a flexible and engaging choice.

Genre: Jazz / Swing

Instrumentation:

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

Genre: jazz / swing