Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, or simply The Big Phat Band, is an 18-piece jazz ensemble based in California and led by Gordon Goodwin. Goodwin composes most, and arranges all, of the group's performance pieces, as well as playing piano and occasionally tenor saxophone. While using a similar instrumentation to the traditional big bands of the 1930s and 40s, the Big Phat Band has a highly contemporary sound, highlighted by driving rhythms, fast, almost frantic tempos, less emphasis on the melodic line, and extreme virtuosity. On rare occasions, the band uses vocalists or adapts its pieces to accompany dancing. Formed in 2000, the group comprises many of Los Angeles' most acclaimed studio musicians, and has to date released five albums under Silverline Records.
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[edit] Band members
[edit] Saxophones/Woodwinds
Eric Marienthal - 1st Alto Saxophone/Soprano Saxophone/Piccolo/Flute
Sal Lozano - 2nd Alto Saxophone/Piccolo/Flute/Clarinet
Brian Scanlon - 1st Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute
Jeff Driskill - 2nd Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute
Jay Mason - Baritone Saxophone/Bass Clarinet/Flute
[edit] Trumpets
Wayne Bergeron - 1st Trumpet
Dan Fernero - 2nd (Split lead) Trumpet
Bob Summers - 3rd Trumpet
Dan Savant - 4th Trumpet
[edit] Trombones
Andy Martin - 1st Trombone
Charlie Morillas - 2nd Trombone
Francisco Torres - 3rd Trombone
Craig Ware/Craig Gosnell - Bass Trombone
[edit] Rhythm section
Gordon Goodwin - Piano/Tenor Sax/Soprano Sax
Andrew Synowiec - Guitar
Rick Shaw - Bass
Bernie Dresel - Drums
Brad Dutz (Percussion)
[edit] Temp players
Dan Higgins - 1st Alto Saxophone (Swingin' For The Fences)
Ray Brinker (Drumkit)
Grant Geissman - Guitar
(Swingin' For The Fences, XXL, The Phat Pack, Act Your Age)
Carl Verheyen (Guitar)
Luis Conte - percussion
[edit] Featured soloists
The Big Phat Band have recorded and performed with many renowned musicians. In addition to the regular members of the band, the group has featured artists such as:
- Eddie Daniels
- Take 6
- Brian McKnight
- Johnny Mathis
- Michael Brecker
- Arturo Sandoval
- David Sanborn
- Dianne Reeves
- Chick Corea
- Dave Grusin
- Patti Austin
- Lee Ritenour
[edit] Discography
- Swingin' for the Fences (Released Jan 23, 2001)
- XXL (Released Sep 23, 2003)
- The Phat Pack (Released Jun 13, 2006)
- Bah, Humduck! a Looney Tunes Christmas (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) (Released 2006)
- Act Your Age (Released Sep 30, 2008)
- Dave Siebels With: Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band (Released May 12, 2009)
- That's How We Roll (Released April 12, 2011)
- Grade 3 featured on the Shine On! Volume One album along with Tierney Sutton. (Released September 30, 2011)
- Play With Me featured on the Shine On! Volume One album along with Amber Lily. (Released September 30, 2011)[1]
[edit] Awards and nominations
2003 Grammy Award nominations:
- Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album - XXL
- Best Instrumental Composition - Hunting Wabbits from XXL
- Best Instrumental Arrangement with Vocals - Comes Love from XXL
2006 Grammy Award nominations:
- Best Instrumental Arrangement - Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes from The Phat Pack
2007 Grammy Award nominations:
- Best Instrumental Arrangement - Yo Tannenbaum from Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas
2008 Grammy Award nominations:
- Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album - Act Your Age
- Best Instrumental Composition - Hit the Ground Running from Act Your Age
- Best Instrumental Arrangement - Yesterdays from Act Your Age
[edit] References
- ^ "Julian Lennon, Tin Cup Gypsy, Donna Burke, Mark Ballas, Maxi Priest, Wendy Parr, Monday Michiru, Amber Lily, Tierney Sutton, Rie Fu and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band – Shine On! Songs Volume One". Discogs. 7 October 2011. http://www.discogs.com/Julian-Lennon-Tin-Cup-Gypsy-Donna-Burke-Mark-Ballas-Maxi-Priest-Wendy-Parr-Monday-Michiru-Amber-Lily/release/3219282. Retrieved 30 October 2011.
