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

This series draws directly from charts recorded by Goodwin's working big band, meaning trombonists learn authentic style, phrasing, and articulation from real performance contexts rather than educational simplifications. The TNT 2 Custom Mix software removes your part while preserving the ensemble sound, letting you practice as a section member rather than soloing over generic accompaniments. You get solo transcriptions from the band's lead players, so advancement comes from studying and absorbing how professionals actually voice and phrase these charts.

Energetic, swinging, and rhythmically precise. You'll encounter everything from medium-tempo swing articulation to very fast bebop figures, plus funk grooves with tight syncopation and Latin feels that demand both control and relaxation. The recorded accompaniment captures a professional band's weight and color, making you feel like a section member in a real ensemble rather than a student playing along.

Intermediate to advanced trombonists (grades 5-6) ready to move beyond classical foundations into jazz styles and ensemble playing. This book suits serious jazz students, All-State jazz band candidates, and trombonists preparing for college jazz programs where big band experience matters.

• Study the transcribed solos before playing along; they show exactly how the Big Phat Band's trombonists handle the inflections, note choices, and rhythmic placements that define Goodwin's sound.
• Use the DVD-ROM software to isolate your part and listen repeatedly to the full ensemble version, developing your internal sense of where you sit harmonically and rhythmically within the section.
• Work the funk and Latin grooves slowly first, locking the slide technique and articulation before matching the recorded tempo; these styles punish rushed technique.
• Pay attention to dynamics marked in the charts; Goodwin's writing often shifts volume dramatically within phrases to create color and drive.

Program a piece or two in a jazz band concert after students have spent weeks rehearsing; performing Goodwin's charts alongside original compositions shows your audience the range of professional big band literature. Use this book as a stand-alone jazz band method that doesn't require you to buy five instrumental parts, making it ideal for developing a strong trombone section without the cost of full ensemble books.

• Big band swing phrasing and articulation
• Reading lead sheets and chord changes
• Funk and Latin groove rhythm execution
• Section ensemble balance and intonation
• Improvisation over jazz changes
• Listening and responding to recorded ensemble texture
• Transposing and adapting lines to slide positions