Grooved Pavement: 4th B-flat Trumpet

López strips away unnecessary complexity and builds the entire chart around a two-measure riff that locks in immediately; your ensemble will feel the groove from the first rehearsal. The balanced solo opportunities (alto sax, trumpet, and trombone each get featured space) and unison writing create moments where the whole band locks together, which builds confidence and ensemble cohesion.

Funky and propulsive. The repetitive riff creates momentum that carries through the piece, while the strong backbeat keeps everything grounded in that good-time jazz feeling. When the unison passages hit, the whole ensemble sounds cohesive and energized.

Young jazz ensembles at the intermediate level who are developing their sense of groove and solo comfort. This chart works well for bands with solid fundamentals looking to build confidence in a funk-based setting without getting bogged down in complex changes.

• Establish the two-measure break as the heartbeat of the piece. Have the rhythm section lock it tight before bringing in the full ensemble; once it's solid, everything else aligns naturally.
• Shape the building interlude with gradual dynamic growth and articulation clarity rather than jumping straight to forte. Let the tension build measure by measure.
• Support your soloists by keeping the rhythm section grooving with consistency. A stable backbeat gives alto, trumpet, and trombone the foundation they need to breathe and explore.
• Watch the lead trumpet's range into the upper register (written A-flat above the staff). Prepare your lead player and have a backup plan if that passage needs adjustment for your ensemble.

Program this as a concert opener or a set-closer; either way, it energizes the room. The funky character pairs well alongside swing charts or bebop selections in a jazz-focused concert, or use it as a contrast piece in a mixed repertoire program where you want to showcase the ensemble's contemporary sound.

• Comping and groove-based accompaniment in a jazz rhythm section
• Solo improvisation in a structured solo space with backing ensemble
• Reading and maintaining a consistent backbeat
• Balancing rhythmic precision with a relaxed, swinging feel
• Responding to the conductor while locked into a groove