Complete Recording
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band proves that large jazz ensembles are still in demand with this mostly rewarding effort. Goodwin, who wrote most of the music and doubles on piano and tenor sax, makes the most of his group's abilities. Highlights include the modern swing chart "Count Bubba's Revenge," the playful "Hunting Wabbits (A Bad Ha/Users/carldoering/Desktop/info.txtre Day)" featuring Sal Lanzo on piccolo, and "Ever Braver, Ever Stronger (An American Elegy)," which is a richly textured work suggesting the influence of 20th century composer Aaron Copland. There are also various guests: vocalist Dianne Reeves adds a nice touch to the swinging chart of "Too Close for Comfort," while virtuoso clarinetist Eddie Daniels is featured in Goodwin's demanding "Under the Wire." The vocal group Take 6 add their tight harmonies to a breezy arrangement of "It Was a Very Good Year." The only dud is the ridiculously out-of-place 1970s R&B hit "Play That Funky Music" (by the one-hit-wonder band Wild Cherry), a piece of tripe featuring shrill smooth jazz alto saxophonist David Sanborn, who is also an ill fit with this normally swinging big band. Goodwin does his best to make something of this monotonous piece, but he is done in by its lack of substance; it's hard to believe that he chose either the song or Sanborn for this otherwise outstanding CD.
AllMusic Review by Ken Dryden
Gordon Goodwin Arranger, Composer, Piano, Primary Artist, Producer, Sax (Tenor)
Jay Mason Clarinet (Bass), Sax (Baritone)
Jeff Driskill Clarinet, Sax (Tenor)
Brian Scanlon Clarinet, Sax (Tenor)
Ray Brinker Drums
Bernie Dresel Drums
Sal Lozano Flute, Piccolo, Sax (Alto)
Eric Marienthal Flute, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)
Eddie Daniels Guest Artist, Primary Artist
Dianne Reeves Guest Artist, Primary Artist
David Sanborn Guest Artist, Primary Artist
Take 6 Guest Artist, Primary Artist
Grant Geissman Guitar
Carl Verheyen Guitar
Luis Conte Percussion
Brad Dutz Percussion
Dan Savant Photography, Producer, Trumpet
Rex Bullington Photography
Booker White Preparation
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Primary Artist
Craig Gosnell Trombone
Alex Iles Trombone
Andrew Martin Trombone
Charlie Morillas Trombone
Craig Ware Trombone
Wayne Bergeron Trumpet
Daniel Fornero Trumpet
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