Count Bubba's Revenge: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

Goodwin writes big band music that never sits still. Count Bubba's Revenge builds momentum through a relentless shuffle swing, trades between sections that feel conversational rather than mechanical, and gives meaningful solo space to five different voices (tenor, baritone, trumpet, trombone, and piano or guitar). The result is a chart that sounds as exciting to perform as it does to hear, with enough structural variety to keep an ensemble engaged across its 6:24 runtime.

Count Bubba's Revenge swings hard with a groove that never lets go. The piece builds from a tightly wound shuffle into a celebration of ensemble energy, with sections stepping forward and stepping back in a conversation that feels alive and unpredictable. There's humor in the title and the writing, but no winking at the audience; this is a big band chart that takes its craft seriously.

Advanced and difficult level jazz ensembles with solid section reading skills and soloists prepared to take on jazz-inflected passages. Conductors programming this chart should have access to strong tenor and baritone saxophonists, lead trumpet and trombone players, and a flexible pianist or guitarist who understands comping.

• Lock the shuffle groove early in rehearsal by isolating the rhythm section and bass line until the swing feel is locked and comfortable; the energy of the entire chart depends on that foundation holding steady.
• Balance section trades carefully so that each section (saxes, trumpets, trombones) maintains the same intensity and articulation during back-and-forth passages; use the a cappella sections to highlight individual voice quality and intonation.
• Work with soloists individually on phrasing and time feel before full ensemble rehearsals; Goodwin's charts demand soloists who can push and pull the rhythm in jazz-informed ways, not simply play the written notes.
• Keep the tempo consistent even as intensity builds; this chart's excitement comes from layering and sectional interplay, not from rushing or dragging.

This works perfectly as a concert closer or as the centerpiece of a set dedicated to contemporary big band writing. Its 6:24 length and high energy make it an ideal follow-up to a more lyrical piece, giving audiences a final impression of ensemble joy and technical mastery. It also programs well alongside other Goodwin charts if you're building a full-length feature on his compositional approach.

• Shuffle swing feel and behind-the-beat phrasing
• Section trading and ensemble balance during back-and-forth passages
• Solo space management across multiple voices (tenor, baritone, trumpet, trombone, piano/guitar)
• Maintaining groove consistency while building dynamic intensity
• Reading and executing a cappella section passages with accuracy and blend