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The Cannonball Run: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

$12.00 USD
$12.00 USD
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The Cannonball Run Cover Image
The Cannonball Run: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

The Cannonball Run: Jazz Ensemble Conductor Score

By Gordon Goodwin

Grade: 5 (Advanced / Difficult)

Item: 00-41145S
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Description
A brilliant chart written for five saxes (SATTB), plus four rhythm instruments and percussion! This brisk samba at around 240 BPM has solo chord changes for everyone. Very exciting, very unique, and extremely hip! (5:55)

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Additional Details
Series: Gordon Goodwin Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 40
UPC: 038081472874
SKU: 00-41145S

More about this title

About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin

Gordon Goodwin demonstrated compositional maturity before his teens, transcribing complete orchestral works by ear from childhood and arranging his first big band chart at 13. His trajectory from prodigy to industry composer reflects decades of work across television, film, and concert music, earning three Emmy Awards and multiple Grammy nominations for scores on films including Bad Boys II, Con Air, Remember the Titans, and Star Trek: Nemesis.

Beyond Hollywood, Goodwin has collaborated with artists ranging from Christina Aguilera and Quincy Jones to Ray Charles and Sarah Vaughn, and has conducted major symphony orchestras across North America and Europe. Since 2000, he has led Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, the Los Angeles-based ensemble whose albums have consistently garnered Grammy recognition and redefined big band relevance for contemporary audiences.

Why we love this

Goodwin's samba writing cuts through the typical jazz ensemble playbook with genuine rhythmic propulsion and idiomatic chart construction. The saxophone section gets real solo space while the rhythm section carries genuine Latin vocabulary, making this feel like a professional big band session rather than a student exercise in groove.

What to expect

High-octane samba energy with the sophistication of a working big band chart. The piece drives forward with genuine Brazilian rhythmic grammar while giving each instrumentalist moments to stretch and shine, creating a performance that feels both structured and spontaneous.

Who it's for

Advanced jazz ensembles comfortable with Latin vocabulary and quick tempos. This score works best with strong soloists in the saxophone section and a rhythm section that understands samba phrasing rather than approximating it.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the samba clave in the rhythm section before rehearsing the full ensemble; the percussion needs to establish the pocket so saxes can ride on top confidently at 240 BPM.
  • Highlight the individual solo changes by rotating through them in sectional rehearsals; each saxophonist should own their moment and develop a personal solo voice rather than reading through the changes.
  • Balance the five saxophones so the top line reads clearly over the lower voices; in a samba this brisk, clarity matters more than weight.
  • Use the recorded reference to internalize the tempo and feel; this chart's success depends on genuine rhythmic lift, not just mechanical time-keeping.

How to use it

Program this as a concert closer or showcase piece that demonstrates your ensemble's ability to handle both tight section work and individual artistry. It pairs well with standards and ballads earlier in a set, providing the final blast of energy and humor audiences expect from jazz programming.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and performing authentic samba rhythms and clave patterns
  • Trading solos within a Latin jazz context at fast tempos
  • Balancing five-part saxophone voicings with rhythmic clarity
  • Responding to and driving polyrhythmic figures in a full ensemble
  • Listening and locking to percussion-led grooves

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