Absoludicrous: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Goodwin has a gift for writing charts that feel immediately playable and entertaining without sacrificing musicianship. The funky electric piano introduction hooks listeners from the opening measure, and the written solos give your section players concrete material they can master rather than improvise over changes. At 120 BPM with a medium difficulty level, this sits in that sweet spot where mid-level ensembles can sound genuinely hip.

Absoludicrous radiates playful confidence from its opening funk groove. The piece grooves hard without pretension, letting the ensemble settle into a comfortable swing pocket while the solos and instrumental colors keep the energy fresh throughout its six-minute runtime. It's the musical equivalent of a high-energy conversation between friends who genuinely enjoy playing together.

Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level (Grade 3.5) looking for a modern, stylistically authentic chart that combines compositional craft with immediate appeal. This works well for groups with solid section readers and at least one strong trumpet player who can handle the upper register comfortably.

• Lock the rhythm section into the funky pocket established by the piano introduction; this groove is the foundation for everything that follows, so rehearse the drums and bass separately first.
• Have your soloists study Goodwin's written parts carefully before adding personal interpretation. The composed lines demonstrate his compositional voice and give younger improvisers a model for phrasing and melodic construction.
• Balance the auxiliary percussion parts (vibes, flute) in the ensemble sections so they color the sound without muddying the brass lines; these parts add sophistication if mixed thoughtfully.
• Manage the lead trumpet's high passages (up to written high C) by assigning your strongest high note player and building stamina gradually during rehearsals. The range demands are real, but the musical payoff is substantial.

Program this as a centerpiece on a concert featuring contemporary big band writing, where it can bookend more traditional jazz standards and showcase your ensemble's range. It also serves well as a festival or contest selection, where its accessibility and musicality appeal to adjudicators and audiences alike. The engaging groove and strong compositional voice make it ideal for pops concerts or community performances where you want to attract listeners unfamiliar with jazz.

• Funky groove pocket and swing feel at moderate tempo
• Reading and executing written jazz solos with style
• Balancing section cohesion with solo spotlight moments
• Managing extended high register on trumpet
• Ensemble texture control with auxiliary percussion (vibes, flute) in mid-range voicings
• Responding to contemporary jazz compositional voice and arranging techniques