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I want to write this while the sounds of the band are still ringing in my head. Tonight I saw Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band play live at a local venue. Although I had heard recordings of the band and knew well the reputations of many members, nothing prepared me for what I heard. The band is comprised of 18 virtuosic recording musicians truly at the pinnacle of their collective abilities. The band is a virtual who’s who of the L.A. recording scene.
Words cannot explain the sound produced properly nor completely. I’ve been fortunate enough to hear some great big bands live. Among the best were Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman and Buddy Rich. All of those bands could burn the house down, but this tonight was different. Gordon Goodwin transforms these 18 individuals into a cohesive unit, completely in tune, in time and in sync with one another at all times. This was a virtually flawless performance. No, not sterile, but a vibrant, interactive, soulful, meaningful and above all else – musical performance.
The Phat brass section was inspiration in sound and precision. The trumpets were led by high note phenom Wayne Bergeron. He is not only a superb lead trumpet player who can blow the walls down, he demonstrated subtleties lost on most players who possess his range. The trombone section was chock full of talent all the way down to Craig Gosnell on bass trombone. Being able to listen to a bass bone featured on those low, pedal tones was a real treat. You just don’t hear that sound in live jazz very often. Lastly, lets talk saxophone. (Who would have thought?!) Sal Lozano, Brian Scanlon, Jeff Driskill and Jay Mason all played outstanding solos and blended to make a homogenous sounding section under the very capable Eric Marienthal. Marienthal is an obvious draw for the band since the premature departure of lead alto player, Dan Higgins. Twice Marienthal came out front to be prominently featured on his signature Sanbornesque alto sound. Eric sounded like Eric (burning) and Gordon’s Phat boys rose to the occasion to compliment the contemporary sound Mr. Marienthal brings to the table.
Can you tell I’m exited? Yes, I am. Sad to say, I wasn’t going to go! I knew Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band was coming to Southern New Jersey but hadn’t made arrangements to go. Fortunately for me, Sal Lozano contacted me to introduce himself and mention he was coming my way with the band. Sal was very humble and unassuming and I remember thinking, “Of course I know who you are Sal!” Thanks to Sal for getting me out there and now we know each other “in the real world” and the “virtual world of the internet.”
There are few times in life when we are truly inspired to greater heights. This is when we need to seize the moment and propel ourselves upward. Tonight was one of those rare occasions. Gordon, Sal and the rest – thank you much for the inspiration. I’ll be practicing first chance tomorrow.
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Skip Spratt