That's How We Roll: String Bass
By Gordon Goodwin
Grade: 6 (Professional / Very Advanced)
Item: 00-PC-0017176_SB
$3.00
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Description
A Goodwin original, this is a bouncy shuffle that has melodies with big hooks to grab your attention. Shuffles always work great, and this one is no exception. "Roll" has solo space for alto, tenor, bari, trumpet, and trombone, and a lead trumpet range to written high F with a G at the end. The percussion part calls for bongos and conga. As recorded by the Big Phat Band, it's a winner at any concert or festival. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.
Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, That's How We Roll: String Bass comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.
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Additional Details
Series:
Gordon Goodwin Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
120
SKU:
00-PC-0017176_SB
More about this title
About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin
Gordon Goodwin's compositional gift emerged early: by age five, he was transcribing complete works from memory, not isolated fragments. His first big band arrangement, Hang Loose, arrived when he was just 13. This precocious talent caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to three Emmy Awards and multiple Grammy nominations for his work on films including Con Air, Enemy of the State, Remember the Titans, and Star Trek: Nemesis.
Beyond film and television scoring, Goodwin has written for and performed alongside major artists including Christina Aguilera, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, and Sarah Vaughan. He founded Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band in 2000, establishing himself as both a bandleader and arranger of the highest caliber. The ensemble's debut album made history as the first commercially released DVD audio title and earned two Grammy nominations, followed by his second album XXL, which netted three more Grammy nominations for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album.
Why we love this
Goodwin writes with the conviction of someone who's spent years on the Hollywood scoring stage and in front of big bands. That's How We Roll delivers the sophisticated grooves and orchestral clarity you'd expect from a three-time Emmy winner, but it never sacrifices the fun and engagement your students need. The shuffle pocket is deep, the solo spaces are genuine musical moments (not filler), and those big melodic hooks make this a crowd favorite at festivals.
What to expect
Bouncy and propulsive, with a shuffle swing that pulls you forward from the opening notes. The tune has the sophistication of a studio-level composition paired with the infectious energy of a groove that gets into your bones.
Who it's for
Advanced jazz ensembles competing at festivals or performing at concerts where a polished, professionally crafted arrangement matters. You'll need strong solo voices across your saxophone section and lead trumpet, plus rhythmic maturity in your rhythm section to execute the shuffle convincingly.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the shuffle feel in the rhythm section first. The percussion parts (bongos and conga) sit at the heart of this groove; get those locked with your bass and piano before adding the horns.
- Manage the solo space intentionally. With five soloists rotating through (alto, tenor, bari, trumpet, and trombone), each needs room to breathe and time to stretch; rehearse the comping figures behind each soloist so the ensemble drives the solo without overwhelming it.
- Balance the lead trumpet range carefully. Written passages climb to high F with a final G; don't force this on an unprepared player, but do provide solid breathing room and rhythmic support so your lead voice can soar without straining.
- Let the hooks land. This piece has melodic moments designed to grab attention. Bring clarity to the section parts so those big ensemble statements cut through and register with an audience.
How to use it
Anchor this on a festival set or concert where you want to showcase your ensemble's swing sensibility and solo talent. It pairs well alongside other contemporary big band work and works equally as a closer that leaves an audience energized.
Skills your students will build
- Executing consistent shuffle feel within a swung ensemble context
- Trading solos across multiple saxophones and trumpet while maintaining ensemble groove
- Managing lead trumpet range above the staff under ensemble support
- Balancing section clarity with forward rhythmic momentum
- Comping effectively behind soloists in a contemporary jazz setting