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 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

Discography

• Swingin' for the Fences (released January 23, 2001)
• XXL (released September 23, 2003)
• The Phat Pack (released June 13, 2006)
• Bah, Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture) (released 2006)
• Act Your Age (released September 30, 2008)
• Dave Siebels With: Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band (released December 8, 2008)
• 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)
• Life in the Bubble (released May 13, 2014)

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

2012 Grammy Award nominations:

• Best Instrumental Arrangement - "Rhapsody in Blue" from That's How We Roll
• Best Instrumental Composition - "Hunting Wabbits 3 (Get off my Lawn)" from That's How We Roll

2014 Grammy Award nominations:

• Best Instrumental Arrangement - "On Green Dolphin Street" from Life in the Bubble

External links

• LA Times Grammy award nominations database
• Home of the Big Phat Band