Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band

Album "Act Your Age" by the 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 1940s, 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 1999, the group comprises many of Los Angeles' most acclaimed studio musicians, and has to date released six albums under Silverline Records.

Band members

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

(sometimes) Gordon Goodwin - tenor saxophone/piano/soprano saxophone

Trumpets

Wayne Bergeron - 1st trumpet
Dan Fornero - 2nd (split lead) trumpet
Bob Summers - 3rd trumpet
Dan Savant - 4th trumpet
Willie Murillo- 5th trumpet

Trombones

Andy Martin - 1st trombone
Charlie Morillas - 2nd trombone
Francisco Torres - 3rd trombone
Craig Ware/Craig Gosnell - bass trombone

Rhythm section

Gordon Goodwin - piano / tenor sax / soprano sax
Andrew Synowiec - guitar
Rick Shaw - bass
Bernie Dresel - drums
Joey DeLeon - percussion

Temporary 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

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:

Discography

Awards and nominations

2003 Grammy Award nominations:

2006 Grammy Award nominations:

2007 Grammy Award nominations:

2008 Grammy Award nominations:

2012 Grammy Award nominations:

2014 Grammy Award wins:

References

External links

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