Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band

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Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band, or simply The Big Phat Band, is a Grammy-nominated 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. The band does rarely use vocalists, or adapt its pieces to accompany dancing. Formed in 2000, the group comprises many of Los Angeles' most acclaimed studio musicians, and has to date released three albums under Silverline Records.

Contents

[edit] Band Members

[edit] Saxophones/Woodwinds

Dan Higgins - 1st Alto Saxophone (Swingin' For The Fences)
Eric Marienthal - 1st Alto Saxophone/Soprano Saxophone/Piccolo/Flute
Sal Lozano - 2nd Alto Saxophone/Flute
Brian Scanlon - 1st Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet
Jeff Driskill - 2nd Tenor Saxophone/Clarinet
Jay Mason - Baritone Saxophone/Bass Clarinet

[edit] Trumpets

Wayne Bergeron - 1st Trumpet
Dan Fornero - 2nd Trumpet
Bob Summers - 3rd Trumpet
Dan Savant - 4th Trumpet

[edit] Trombones

Andy Martin - 1st Trombone
Alex Iles - 2nd Trombone
Charlie Morillas - 3rd Trombone
Craig Ware - Bass Trombone

[edit] Rhythm Section

Gordon Goodwin - Piano/Tenor Sax/Soprano Sax
Grant Geissman - Guitar
Rick Shaw - Bass Guitar
Bernie Dresel - Drums
Luis Conte - Percussion

[edit] Temp Players

Ray Brinker (Drumkit)
Carl Verheyen (Guitar)
Brad Dutz (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:

[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)

[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

[edit] References

[edit] External links

www.bigphatbandonline.net

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