Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Play-Along Series: Alto Saxophone, Volume 2: Alto Saxophone Book & DVD-ROM

This book gives alto players direct access to the actual working charts of one of jazz's most accomplished contemporary voices, complete with recorded solos from the Big Phat Band's section leaders to learn from. The range of styles and tempos (medium to burning swing, funk, and Latin) ensures your students encounter genuine musical challenges across multiple idioms in a single resource. The TNT 2 Custom Mix software transforms passive practice into active ensemble participation, letting players sit alongside world-class musicians and adjust balance in real time.

Playing these charts places you inside the energy and precision of a working big band, where every note carries intention and the rhythm section locks down grooves that swing hard or funk with contemporary edge. The recorded accompaniments capture the exhilaration of ensemble interplay; you hear the punch of the section around you, feel the pull of tempos that range from relaxed medium swing to breakneck speed, and discover how much personality lives in the details of articulation and phrasing.

Alto saxophonists at the Grade 5-6 level seeking meaningful exposure to contemporary jazz ensemble writing and improvisation. This book serves advanced high school players, college-level saxophonists, or serious amateurs ready to tackle the demands of professional-caliber big band charts with recorded models to learn from.

• Study the transcribed solos before learning your own part; listening to exactly how the lead alto phrases and interprets the melody will deepen your understanding of Goodwin's stylistic approach.
• Use the TNT 2 software to isolate different instrumental sections as needed, then gradually add complexity by bringing in the full mix to build secure time-keeping skills.
• Pay close attention to the articulation markings and dynamic contours in the charts; Goodwin's writing relies heavily on precise execution of these details to achieve the ensemble's signature punch.
• Practice the funk and Latin grooves at a tempo slightly slower than the recorded version until the rhythmic figures feel natural, then build toward the recorded tempo.

Feature this book in a jazz ensemble curriculum where students need real-world repertoire from an active composer, or assign it to advanced section members preparing for all-county or district jazz festivals. The variety of grooves and tempos makes it ideal for a semester-long project where players can tackle one chart per week, building fluency across swing, funk, and Latin styles while learning from the Big Phat Band's recorded interpretations.

• Phrasing and articulation in contemporary jazz styles
• Improvisation over chord changes in swing, funk, and Latin contexts
• Section ensemble cohesion and time-keeping with recorded accompaniments
• Tone production and dynamics specific to big band writing
• Reading and interpreting professional-level jazz charts
• Style interpretation and listening skills through transcribed solo models