Matt Wilson

“The Good Trouble Suite”

This is the, dig this, the 2021 Kansas All State Jazz Ensemble, which I rehearsed and conducted virtually(!) performing the Good Trouble Suite- dedicated to Rep. John Lewis and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The Good Trouble Suite came about from many themes composed for the grant. I decided that since the students had to do this online this year, we should make it an ‘EVENT’ and have them premiere a new piece. I collaborated with my frequent partner in sonic and spiritual journeying, Jeff Lederer, to do the large ensemble arrangement. In addition to rehearsing the piece, I had guests come and talk to the students including Jeff, Dawn Clement, Nick Dunsten and Wynton Marsalis, who spent more that hour with them. It was very inspiring. We chose three three themes for the three movements. 1. RBG ( Ruth Bader Ginsburg). 2. Walk With the Wind. 3. Good Trouble (Both dedicated to Rep. Lewis.) In between the movements are improvised “horn webs” with the recited quotes. I feel this represents what I am about as a composer. I love the spirit of collaboration and this project welcomed me new ways of having human moments shared Ave celebrated. The young people, as you will hear and fell, were extraordinary and their commitment to the message went WAY beyond the notes. Hallelujah for celebrating with new themes that represent patriotism, which is also decisive these days. Thank you for the grant which fueled this project. It takes a village.

Comp. Matt Wilson
Arr. Jeff Lederer Commissioned by the Jazz Coalition,
Performed by the Kansas All State Jazz Band 2021.