Just what exactly is a big phat band?

Let me assure you that a big phat band is not one that needs a little more time on the treadmill!  In this case, this Big Phat Band belongs to Gordon Goodwin and you can experience their music at the Niswonger on Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m.

Gordon Goodwin is the bandleader, pianist, sax player, and writer of some of the most incredible music written of this time.  Some of the comments that have been made about him are:

“Listening to Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, I was immediately taken by Gordon’s contemporary musical viewpoint, the dynamics of his “Big Phat Band,” its bevy of superb soloists, and the exhilaration of its sound.” –Quincy Jones

He is a man of exquisite musical taste. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.” –Johnny Mathis

“Whenever I hear your music, I get the sudden urge to retire!” –Sammy Nestico

These comments come from some of the most respected musicians of our time!  Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is a big band, much in the style of Doc Severinsen’s big band that performed for years on Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show or the late Buddy Rich Big Band.  Gordon’s band is today’s contemporary big band, filled with an all-star cast of musicians in every section: saxes, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm.

As a keyboardist and woodwind player, Goodwin has built a larger-than-life reputation throughout the music industry for his composing, arranging and playing skills. Ray Charles, Christina Aguilera, Johnny Mathis, Toni Braxton, John Williams, Natalie Cole, David Foster, Sarah Vaughan, Mel Torme, Brian McKnight and Quincy Jones are just a few of the artists with whom he has worked. Goodwin has also conducted world-renowned symphony orchestras in Atlanta, Dallas, Utah, Seattle, Toronto and London.

Goodwin’s cinematic scoring and orchestration craft can be heard on such films as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Escape to Witch Mountain, Get Smart, Glory Road, National Treasure, The Incredibles, Remember The Titans, Armageddon, The Majestic, Con Air, Gone In 60 Seconds, Enemy of the State, Star Trek Nemesis and even the classic cult film Attack Of The Killer Tomatoes. Goodwin’s soundtrack to Looney Tunes’ “Bah HumDuck!” – a wacky Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck riff on the classic A Christmas Carol – also features the Big Phat Band’s patented sound.

We not only want to present this “very hot” band in performance, but we also want to make available a special lecture/clinic where Gordon will talk about how he composes music for all these mega-hit film scores.  It will run from 3:30-4:30 p.m.  Call our box office (419.238.NPAC 6722) or check out our website (www.npacvw.org) for details on how you can be included in this special offer prior to the 7:30 p.m. concert that night.

Okay, now you know what a Big Phat Band really is.  If you are looking for a definition of phat, I think the dictionary will tell you it’s both “cool” and “hot”!  How can that be?  Come and find out for yourself.

FINÉ.