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 1999, the group comprises many of Los Angeles' most acclaimed studio musicians, and has to date released five 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
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:
Eddie Daniels,
Take 6,
Brian McKnight,
Johnny Mathis,
Michael Brecker,
Arturo Sandoval,
David Sanborn,
Dave Siebels,
Dianne Reeves,
Chick Corea,
Nathan East,
Dave Grusin,
Patti Austin,
Lee Ritenour,
Marcus Miller,
Judith Hill,
James Morrison,
Romain Guyot