Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
By Elton John / By Bernie Taupin / Arranged by Mark Taylor
Grade: 4
Item: 35-PK00129481
$55.00
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Description
The unlikely treatment in a swing style sets this arrangement apart as Mark Taylor takes Elton John's familiar hit in a completely new direction. The style alternates between a "2" feel and straight ahead swing, and there are solos for tenor and trombone in addition to solid writing for the entire ensemble. Very effective!
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00129481
More about this title
About the Composer: Elton John
Elton John emerged as one of popular music's most distinctive voices in the 1970s, crafting theatrical arrangements and emotionally direct melodies that dominated radio and concert halls alike. His collaborations with lyricist Bernie Taupin produced some of the era's most enduring songs, many of which have proven remarkably adaptable to jazz and concert band settings due to their strong harmonic content and memorable hooks.
Why we love this
Mark Taylor's arrangement captures what makes this tune so singable in the original while giving it the rhythmic energy and harmonic sophistication that jazz ensembles crave. The alternating feel between "2" and straight swing creates enough textural variety to keep both players and listeners engaged across a familiar tune, making it feel fresh rather than nostalgic.
What to expect
Warm, swinging, and deceptively sophisticated. The arrangement respects the original's melodic charm while wrapping it in walking bass lines and ensemble punch that feel both accessible and musically substantial.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles at the intermediate level looking for contemporary material that connects with audiences beyond the typical jazz standard repertoire. Directors seeking a crowd pleaser that still demands thoughtful musicianship and offers individual soloists meaningful moments to shine.
How to get the most out of it
- Navigate the feel transitions by rehearsing them as distinct sections first. Mark the moments where the ensemble shifts between "2" and straight swing so players can lock the rhythmic anchor without losing the song's forward momentum.
- Highlight the tenor and trombone soloists through balanced section writing. The background parts should sit underneath without competing for attention, especially during their featured passages.
- Work the melody line in the ensemble sections with attention to phrasing that honors both the original's vocal contour and jazz ensemble articulation. This balance is essential for the arrangement to feel genuine rather than a novelty.
How to use it
Program this alongside or opposite a ballad to showcase your ensemble's stylistic range and comfort with contemporary material. It works especially well as a closer or in a set designed to appeal to family audiences while maintaining artistic credibility.
Skills your students will build
- Navigating alternating feels ("2" feel versus straight swing)
- Balancing solo and ensemble sections with appropriate dynamics and space
- Interpreting jazz articulation applied to a pop melody
- Swing eighth-note phrasing and rhythmic precision
- Ensemble cohesion across style changes within a single piece