Play That Funky Music: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

$70.00 USD

Play That Funky Music: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts

Name: Play That Funky Music: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-24865
Price: 70.00 USD
Availability: InStock

By Robert Parissi / arr. Gordon Goodwin

Grade: 5 (Advanced / Difficult)

Item: 00-24865

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Funky, funkier, funkiest. This Gordon Goodwin chart on the classic funk rock tune "Play That Funky Music" is a showcase for your lead alto saxophone soloist from start to finish. This one demands a contemporary alto sax soloist with style and some altissimo chops too. Groove is essential for the rhythm section. If you have the rhythm section funk groove and the alto player, this is IT! As recorded on "The Phat Pack," Gordon's newest CD.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Play That Funky Music: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score & Parts comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Gordon Goodwin Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 86

UPC: 038081277486

SKU: 00-24865

More about this title

About the Composer: Robert Parissi

Robert Parissi wrote "Play That Funky Music" in 1976, creating one of the defining funk-rock anthems of the decade. The song's infectious groove and memorable melody made it a chart-topping hit and an enduring standard in popular music. His composition demonstrates a gift for crafting accessible, high-energy music that maintains its appeal across generations and genres.

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Why we love this

Gordon Goodwin's arrangement captures everything that makes the original irresistible while building the piece around your lead alto saxophonist, giving that soloist genuine star power. The chart demands serious ensemble chops from your rhythm section, which means everyone stays engaged and accountable. It's a crowd-pleaser that doesn't sacrifice musicianship or contemporary jazz sensibilities.

What to expect

Irresistible funk propulsion meets contemporary jazz arranging; the groove is relentless and infectious, pulling the ensemble forward with syncopated hits and a tight rhythm section foundation. The lead alto saxophone soars above it all with style and virtuosity, trading energy with the ensemble in a celebration of pure groove.

Who it's for

This arrangement is built for a jazz ensemble with a strong lead alto saxophonist who has advanced technical skills and authentic funk sensibility. Your rhythm section needs to be comfortable and confident in the pocket, ready to support a soloistic feature. Directors programming Grade 5 jazz repertoire will find this delivers immediate energy and audience appeal.

How to get the most out of it

Lock the rhythm section first. Your bass player and drummer need to establish the groove pocket before adding horns; a shaky foundation will undermine the whole arrangement.
Feature your alto soloist generously. This piece lives or dies on the lead alto's tone, phrasing, and ability to navigate altissimo passages with confidence.
Commit fully to the funk aesthetic. Half-hearted swing won't work here; the ensemble needs to embrace the syncopation and push the beat slightly to capture authentic groove.
Balance the section hits carefully. With everyone punching in unison, clarity matters more than volume; rehearse dynamics so each stab of horns reads distinctly.

How to use it

Program this as a concert closer or a standout feature during a jazz showcase; its contemporary energy and audience familiarity make it an ideal final statement. Pair it with ballads or more traditional jazz selections earlier in your set to highlight the full range of your ensemble's capabilities.