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Backrow Politics: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

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Backrow Politics Cover Image

Backrow Politics: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

By Gordon Goodwin

Grade: 5 (Advanced / Difficult)

Item: 00-26893

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Description
At last, a showcase for the trumpet section from Gordon Goodwin! The groove is straight eighths with a funky feel. Solo space is provided for trumpets 1, 2, 3, 4, but can be tailored as desired. Lead trumpet range is to written high G with an optional A. This is a fun chart and will be a kick for the band and audience. (6:54) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Backrow Politics: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Gordon Goodwin Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 78
UPC: 038081302225
SKU: 00-26893

More about this title

About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin began composing full works at age five, transcribing the complete pieces he heard in his imagination rather than fragments or single melodic ideas. By thirteen, he had already written his first big band chart, Hang Loose, signaling the precocious talent that would eventually shape his career across film, television, and jazz.

Goodwin has earned three Emmy Awards and multiple Grammy nominations for his film and television scoring, with his orchestrations featured in blockbusters including Bad Boys II, Con Air, Gone in 60 Seconds, and Remember the Titans. He has collaborated with major artists spanning multiple genres, from Christina Aguilera and Quincy Jones to Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughn. As the founder and leader of Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band since 2000, he continues to push the boundaries of contemporary big band jazz while maintaining an active presence conducting major symphony orchestras across North America and Europe.

Why we love this

Goodwin understands the trumpet section at an intimate level, and this chart proves it. He writes solo opportunities that feel earned rather than obligatory, using a funky straight-eighths groove that sits perfectly in the jazz ensemble idiom while remaining accessible to advancing players. The optional high A gives you flexibility with your lead trumpet while keeping the written part at a demanding but achievable level.

What to expect

Straight eighths with an undeniable funk sensibility create momentum and swagger. The trumpet section becomes the star, trading solos over a groove that feels contemporary and grounded rather than swing-era, giving your players a chance to explore their individual voices within a high-energy ensemble setting.

Who it's for

Advanced jazz ensembles with solid section cohesion and at least one capable lead trumpet. This Grade 5 chart rewards bands that have already developed ensemble discipline and are ready to tackle both technical demands and stylistic nuance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Commit fully to the funky character of the straight eighths; the groove will feel flat if the section rushes or plays it too straight.
  • Use solo space to highlight your strongest trumpet voices, but feel free to redistribute parts or combine soloists based on your section's strengths.
  • Balance the lead trumpet's upper register carefully in rehearsal so the optional high A doesn't overshadow the ensemble sonority when used.
  • Lock the rhythm section tight before bringing in the horns; a secure groove underneath makes the trumpet showcase sing.

How to use it

This works beautifully as a mid-set showstopper at a jazz festival or concert, especially if you're programming a mix of straight-ahead jazz and contemporary grooves. Its 6:54 runtime makes it substantial enough to anchor a set without overwhelming your concert arc.

Skills your students will build

  • Straight-eighths feel and funk-oriented swing
  • Trumpet section balance and blend across register
  • Solo improvisation or lead trumpet interpretation
  • Ensemble communication during section feature passages
  • Groove lock and rhythmic precision in contemporary jazz idioms

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