The Big Phat Band, a two-time Grammy-nominated 18-piece jazz ensemble and one of the top big bands in jazz today, celebrates and personifies the best of the big band tradition with a very contemporary and original sound.
While using a similar instrumentation to the traditional big bands of the 1930s and 40s, the Big Phat Band has a highly modern-day sound, highlighted by driving rhythms and extreme virtuosity.
The Band is led by Gordon Goodwin who composes most, and arranges all of the group’s performance pieces, as well as playing piano and occasionally tenor saxophone, and who is a three-time Emmy Award winner, an eight-time Grammy nominee, and recent winner of a 48th annual Grammy award for Best Instrumental Arrangement.
Through the writing genius of Gordon Goodwin, SRO audiences have enjoyed one of the most craftsman-like hard swinging large jazz ensembles comprised of L.A.’s finest musicians. Gordon’s witty and insightful arrangements propel the listener on a journey through a myriad of styles: Latin, blues, swing, classical, hard-hitting jazz, and even an homage to Looney Tunes (!).
Concert is 8:00 pm in Laguna Beach Artists’ Theatre, 625 Park Avenue, Laguna Beach.
Tickets are $25-30/adult and $10/student 21 & under.Buy Tickets Now
More…
• Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band made their Hollywood Bowl debut in June 2005 as headliners in the Playboy Jazz Festival.
• The Big Phat Band made its debut appearance on national TV on NBC’s “The Other Half,” hosted by Dick Clark.
• “Swingin’ For The Fences” secured a prestigious spot on Air Force One’s onboard entertainment system.
• The Big Phat Band has garnered excellent critical reviews and praise for its many appearances nationally and in the Los Angeles area.
• Members of the Big Phat Band have performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Madonna, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Quincy Jones, Diana Krall, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Toni Braxton, Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Supertramp, Patti Austin, Brian Setzer, Paul Anka, and can be heard on many Motion Picture soundtracks including “The Incredibles,” “Coach Carter,” “Sideways,” “The Majestic,” “Analyze This,” “Remember The Titans,” “Gone in Sixty Seconds,” “Armageddon,” “Ace Ventura, Pet Detective,” “Enemy of the State” and many more.
Members of the Big Phat Band have distinguished themselves as recording artists and soloists in the jazz field, including Eric Marienthal, Wayne Bergeron (also a Grammy nominee), Andy Martin, Bob Summers, Luis Conte, Bernie Dresel, and Grant Geissman.
