Start To Love Again (G.Goodwin)

Gordon Goodwin’s contemporary big band masterpiece "Start To Love Again" showcases the signature high-octane energy, sophisticated harmonic vocabulary, and intricate compositional craftsmanship that has defined the Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band sound since the turn of the 21st century. Rooted in the rich tradition of West Coast contemporary big band jazz, the piece bridges the gap between classic swing orchestration and modern fusion sensibilities, reflecting Goodwin's extensive background in studio composition, film scoring, and virtuosic jazz arranging. While not a traditional 1940s-era jazz standard, Goodwin’s original compositions have quickly become modern staples for advanced ensembles seeking contemporary repertoire that pushes technical boundaries while maintaining an infectious, driving groove. Driven by an invigorating, contemporary medium-up swing feel infused with subtle funk undercurrents, "Start To Love Again" opens with an arresting, harmonically complex introduction before settling into a relentless, head-nodding groove. The mood is triumphant, optimistic, and intensely dynamic, moving seamlessly from shimmering, lush chordal textures in the brass to explosive, driving unison lines across the entire ensemble. Goodwin’s arranging approach is immediately recognizable through his dense, extended-tertian harmonies, intricate woodwind doublings, and masterclass utilization of the full 11-instrument big band color palette. The chart features a brilliantly crafted sax soli that highlights tight interlocking lines, followed by a monumental shout chorus that builds relentless tension through clever syncopation, unexpected modulation, and cascading dynamic shifts. Melodic duties are shared dynamically across the ensemble, with prominent statements carried by the soprano and alto saxophones, answered sharply by tiered brass voicings. Solo opportunities are provided for advanced improvisers, most notably showcasing the tenor saxophone and lead trumpet chairs, demanding players who are comfortable navigating modern modal changes and extended upper-register demands. Technical challenges abound throughout the 38 pages of score and parts, requiring pristine articulation, absolute rhythmic precision on complex syncopated figures, and exceptional endurance from the brass section. The reward for mastering the chart is immense, offering audiences a thrilling, cinematic journey filled with clever counterpoint, sparkling ensemble interplay, and a sheer wall of sound that exemplifies modern big band writing at its absolute peak. Advanced collegiate, professional, and elite high school ensembles possessing exceptionally strong section players and confident lead performers will find "Start To Love Again" a premier choice for festival competition, recording projects, or headline concert sets. The arrangement demands mature musicianship capable of locking in tight rhythmic unisons, balancing dense contemporary voicings, and interpreting Goodwin's distinctively modern articulation markings with style and authority. Conductors tackling "Start To Love Again" must prioritize rhythmic accuracy and articulation uniformity across all sections, as Goodwin’s chart relies heavily on razor-sharp, staccato punch figures and clean back-phrased swing eighth notes. Establish a rock-solid, driving tempo early; rushing will destroy the intricate inner-voice counterpoint, particularly during the dense woodwind passages. The saxophones should utilize light, agile tongue strokes during the soli section to ensure every rapid-fire line speaks clearly over the rhythm section. Brass players need to monitor dynamic ceilings carefully during the middle choruses to save essential endurance for the climactic shout chorus, where high-note demands and heavy volume converge. The rhythm section should act as the engine room: the drummer must balance a crisp, contemporary swing ride pattern with subtle, driving funk-inflected backbeats, while the piano and bass lock in tightly on Goodwin’s sophisticated, pedal-point-heavy chord progressions. Utilize sectional rehearsals to isolate complex rhythmic unisons before attempting full-band run-throughs. Q: What instruments and parts are included in this 11-instrument arrangement? A: The instrumentation features a 38-page configuration tailored for a contemporary big band, specifically including Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, and Trumpet parts alongside the standard rhythm section accompaniment. Q: What is the difficulty level of this arrangement? A: This arrangement is graded as advanced, making it best suited for elite collegiate, professional, and top-tier high school big bands with strong improvisers and mature section players. Q: What is the musical style and historical context of "Start To Love Again"? A: Composed and popularized by Gordon Goodwin, the piece belongs to the contemporary West Coast big band tradition, fusing classic swing sensibilities with modern jazz-fusion harmonies and high-energy studio arranging techniques. Q: What makes this specific Gordon Goodwin arrangement unique? A: It stands out due to its dense extended harmonies, intricate woodwind doublings (including soprano sax), a sophisticated saxophone soli, and a massive, cinematic shout chorus that showcases Goodwin's signature compositional voice. Q: What is the expected performance duration and tempo feel? A: The piece is built on an invigorating medium-up contemporary swing groove with driving energy, typically running around 4 to 6 minutes depending on the length of the improvised solo sections.