Told Ya So: Drums
By Gordon Goodwin
Grade: 3 (Medium)
Item: 00-PC-0017257_D
$3.00
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Description
A medium-swing modal original by Gordon Goodwin. The tempo is around 140 BPM, the flexible solo section has written solos provided for (opt) flute, alto 1, tenor 1, bari, trumpet 3 and trombone 1. The lead trumpet range is to written B above the staff. It's relaxed and kinda laid-back but still has the Goodwin intensity. A fun to play Goodwin chart. 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, Told Ya So: Drums 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:
Jazz Band Series
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
110
SKU:
00-PC-0017257_D
More about this title
About the Composer: Gordon Goodwin
Gordon Goodwin heard complete compositions in his head before he could read music, writing them down at age five with full structural integrity rather than fragments. His big band arrangement "Hang Loose" at age 13 announced a rare gift for orchestration and swing writing that would define decades of work across film, television, and the concert stage. His Emmy and Grammy recognition reflects decades spent composing and arranging for major artists including Christina Aguilera, Ray Charles, and Quincy Jones, while his film scores for "Bad Boys II," "Remember the Titans," "Enemy of the State," and others showcase his ability to blend cinematic language with jazz idiom.
Since 2000, Goodwin has led Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, a Los Angeles-based ensemble that has released multiple Grammy-nominated albums and established itself as one of the most dynamic large jazz ensembles in the country. His work demonstrates the full spectrum of his compositional range: from tight, driving big band arrangements to intricate orchestrations that balance complexity with genuine swing feel. For student musicians, his charts offer the opportunity to learn from someone who thinks like both a jazz composer and a film composer, crafting pieces that demand musical maturity while remaining deeply rewarding to perform.
Why we love this
Goodwin writes with a keen ear for what bands actually want to play. The relaxed groove here masks genuine compositional sophistication; the lead trumpet sits high enough to challenge your section but the overall sensibility stays grounded in authentic swing feel. Grade 3 charts that sound this polished and feel this comfortable to perform are uncommon, especially from a writer of Goodwin's stature.
What to expect
Medium-swing modal writing with a conversational ease that belies Goodwin's compositional craft. The piece inhabits a comfortable groove while maintaining enough harmonic and textural interest to engage serious players; it's the sound of a composer working at the height of his powers while genuinely enjoying the moment.
Who it's for
Jazz ensembles in grades 8-12 looking for a composer-quality chart that doesn't demand the technical ceiling of advanced repertoire. Conductors seeking an accessible Goodwin piece will find this rewards intelligent musicianship while remaining within reach of medium-level bands.
How to get the most out of it
- Lock the rhythm section (bass and drums) into the medium-swing pocket before rehearsing the horns. At 140 BPM, the groove's laid-back character will collapse if the time feel isn't secure.
- Feature the written solos generously in performance. The optional solos for flute, alto, tenor, bari, trumpet 3, and trombone 1 are crafted with Goodwin's sensibility; give each soloist space to breathe and phrase naturally.
- Balance intensity with relaxation. Goodwin's writing carries his characteristic drive, but "Told Ya So" asks for a kinda laid-back delivery. Coach the ensemble to swing hard without rushing.
How to use it
Perfect as a mid-set selection on a jazz concert, especially when programmed between a ballad and something higher-energy to showcase the ensemble's versatility in swing feel. Works well as a vehicle for developing ensemble balance and soloist confidence without the time demands of highly complex arrangements.
Skills your students will build
- Medium-swing phrasing and articulation in modal harmony
- Reading optional written solos and understanding lead trumpet range demands
- Ensemble balance within a relaxed but propulsive groove
- Swing accompaniment figures for rhythm section players
- Intonation and tone blend across horn sections in modal contexts