Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band’s music has been featured in films, on recordings with other artists, and even on Air Force One’s onboard entertainment system. But when Goodwin was asked to play the Solvang Jazz Festival, the musical opportunity had a more personal meaning.
The person proposing the invitation was Goodwin’s high school musical idol, Stix Hooper, a jazz musician, festival artistic director, and president of the Universal Guild for Jazz and Progressive Music. Naturally, Goodwin accepted.
“I was totally a fan boy of his when I was in high school,” he said. “So when Stix called, I went straight back to that sophomore in high school, peppering him with questions.”
Goodwin is a three-time Emmy Award winner and an eight-time Grammy nominee. He also won a Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement for his arrangement of “The Incredits” from Pixar’s The Incredibles.
Members of the Big Phat Band have performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry: Madonna, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, and Quincy Jones, just to name a few. Their work can be heard on many motion picture soundtracks, including The Incredibles, Get Smart, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Coach Carter, Sideways, and others.
Inspired by Goodwin’s boyhood influences—like Count Basie; Duke Ellington; Buddy Rich; Thad Jones and Mel Lewis; Earth, Wind, and Fire; and Tower of Power—the Big Phat Band jazz ensemble creates a contemporary sound that features Gordon’s swinging compositions, blending swing, Latin, blues, classical, and rock.
The Big Phat Band is made up of Los Angeles area studio musicians what Goodwin says “will never play a wrong note.” Several of them have distinguished themselves as recording artists and soloists in the jazz field. On recordings and on frequent live gigs, the band features Eric Marienthal, Wayne Bergeron (also a Grammy nominee), Andy Martin, Bob Summers, and Bernie Dresel.
The group is ready to release its fourth CD, scheduled for spring 2009 on Immergent Records. It was produced by acclaimed guitarist Lee Ritenour and features such special guests as Patti Austin, Chick Corea, Dave Grusin, and Ritenour himself.
Though Goodwin may have been a fan of Hooper’s in high school, these days Goodwin and his band have their own teen following, thanks in part to the high school jazz camp he holds every summer at California State University, Northridge. Last year, the camp drew more than 150 young jazz players.
Goodwin said he supports introducing students to jazz because the survival of the music depends on passing it down to future generations. Still, he admits that he’s surprised at his music’s appeal to a younger generation.
“It’s big band jazz,” he said. “It’s not your granddad’s big band—it’s more contemporary, but it’s still big band.”
Keeping jazz alive by introducing it to new audiences is something Goodwin and Hooper have in common.
Hooper said that this year’s jazz festival will try to reach audiences made up of people who aren’t necessarily jazz aficionados.
Thursday at the festival marks an educational slant and concert for Santa Ynez Valley students. A historical jazz film presentation starts at 3 p.m. on Sept. 27 in Santa Ynez Union High School’s Little Theater.
A free jazz education and awareness panel at noon is set for Sept. 28 at Solvang Veterans Hall. The events are designed to open discussion and to introduce jazz newbies to the music.
Hooper said that he handpicked most of the artists who will perform in the festival, because he believes that audiences need to be aware of their talent. And he said to expect a few surprises, like “Hot Salsa” on Sept. 28, featuring the Latin jazz sounds of Dr. Bobby Rodriguez. And Frank Marocco playing the accordion—an instrument not normally heard in jazz music, because so few musicians can incorporate it so well, Hooper said.
“There are some surprises, but jazz in itself is a surprise,” he explained.
INFOBOX:
The Solvang Jazz Festival takes place Sept. 25 to 28 at various locations throughout the city. Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band plays the Swingin’ the Groove Big Band Bash and Dinner from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 26 at Solvang Veteran’s Hall, 1745 Mission Drive. The evening will also feature James Moody and Barbara Morrison. The dinner will be followed by “A Hip Improvisational Evening of Jazz” nightclub performance at the Royal Scandinavian Inn, 400 Alisal Road, with the Jean-Michel Pilc Trio featuring Ari Hoenig, and the music of Frank Marocco.
On Sept. 27, “Groovin’ in the Park” will take place at 1 p.m. in Solvang Park at the corner of Mission Drive and First Street, featuring Joel Scott at the helm of the Solvang Jazz Consortium. The event is free. At 7 p.m. later that day, the “All Star Jazz” concert will take place at 7 p.m. at Solvang Veteran’s Hall, featuring the Monty Alexander Trio with Herlin Riley and Hassan Shakur, and special guest Dr. Lonnie Smith.
For a full schedule of events and ticket prices, visit www.solvangjazz.com.
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is full of surprises. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 2, 2008.