Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Ralph Ford's adaptation strips away the technical demands of the original Gordon Goodwin chart while keeping the irreverent swing energy completely intact. Your ensemble gets section solis and tight ensemble writing without the pressure of improvisation, which means they can focus on articulation, phrasing, and that theatrical comedic timing the piece demands.

Pure swing chaos wrapped in a knowing wink. The piece swaggers and lurches with that classic movie-comedy absurdity, buoyed by genuine jazz vocabulary and section precision that makes the tomato-themed mayhem feel intentional rather than thrown together.

Jazz ensembles working at Grade 2 level who want repertoire with personality and audience appeal. Directors need a chart that engages younger players through accessible writing without sacrificing musical substance.

• Keep the rhythmic articulation crisp and unified across the section. The humor lands harder when the ensemble locks together on the attacks.
• Let the ensemble solis breathe. These moments are character building, not just filler between tutti sections.
• Balance the quirky title with the genuine musicianship required. This is a swing chart with teeth, not a novelty tune.

This works brilliantly on Halloween or themed concert programming. It also serves as an excellent morale booster mid-season for ensembles that need a confidence-building feature with actual musical depth. The 3:35 runtime fits comfortably into most concert structures.

• Swing articulation and phrasing in an ensemble setting
• Section coordination without relying on improvisation
• Balance and blend within section solis
• Comedic timing and intentional stylistic interpretation