“The best arrangement of ‘I’ll Fly Away’ I’ve ever heard” —Jared Stutzman, choir director

This is the beloved gospel song as you’ve never heard it before. First arranged for saxophone quartet and later adapted for voices, each version includes three original takes on the classic tune. The first two verses are in a lively, shifting 7/8, followed by a funk-inspired verse in 4/4. The last verse, “Just a few more weary days and then / I’ll fly away,” is a steady 3/4 ornamented with ascending scales which symbolize rising to Heaven. After all the excitement about the joy to come, the final verse is contemplative and sincere.

This sax quartet was my first commission, from Immanuel Baptist Church in Minot, North Dakota, under the leadership of Elizabeth Roberts. She had been my piano teacher in my youth and had a greater influence than anyone else on my becoming a composer. She passed away in 2024, shortly before I finally obtained a license to publish my arrangement. I am dedicating this work to her memory.

The vocal versions are suitable for choir or quartet.

A portion of the revenue goes to the copyright holders of “I’ll Fly Away.”

Unlike all other products on my site, these have a limited “stock.” My license with the copyright holder only allows me to sell a certain number of copies at a time. If you want to buy more than the number available, contact me, and I should be able to increase the “stock” within a week or two.