Fred Kavli Theatre Thousand Oaks, CA
Contact: kjr@blackrcockla.com
Web: bigphatband.com
Players: Vangie Gunn, vocals; Trumpet: Wayne Bergeron, Dan Fornero, Aaron Janik, Mike Rocha, Ryan Deweese; Trombone: Andy Martin, Charlie Morillas, Ryan Dragon, Craig Gosnell; Sax: Eric Marienthal, Brian Scanlon, Dan Kaneyuki, Anibal Seminario, Alex Han, Sal Lozano, Jay Mason, Adam Schroeder; Rhythm: Ray Brinker, Kevin Axt, Andy Waddell, Joey DeLeon, Quinn Johnson; Backing vocals: Aria Gunn, Fletcher Sheridan, David Loucks, Alvin Chea
After a rockin’, bold splash of brassy fanfare, the audience at the Fred Kavli Theater, eager to celebrate the life of one of contemporary music’s most storied and versatile composer/arrangers, heard a colorful intro from the recently departed—but very much there in spirit—Gordon Goodwin. With percussive brass punches chiming in for emphasis after each phrase, they heard, “Good evening, everybody. This is Gordon Goodwin and I really want to thank you for coming tonight. Hold onto your hats ‘cause tonight’s gonna be a smokin’ performance by one of the best big bands on the planet earth—that’s Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band!” Then the fiery 21-piece ensemble got down to business on his vibrant, high-octane arrangement of a song whose title says it all about its vibe and intention, “T.O.P. Adjacent,” complete with one of sax great Eric Marienthal’s trademark alto solos.
Though held on what would have been Goodwin’s 71st birthday and only three weeks after his passing from pancreatic cancer, the affair was joyous, lighthearted, and sorrow free. The freewheeling show was an explosive, eclectic, life-affirming show featuring a star studded guest list of jazz luminaries, including Patti Austin, Eddie Daniels, Lee Ritenour, Take 6 and a heartfelt, deeply passionate closing set by Goodwin’s beloved wife Vangie Gunn. Proceeds from the evening went to the CancerBlows/Ryan Anthony Foundation and cancer research—and many in the crowd wore the purple support ribbons that were handed out in the lobby.
Punctuated by spoken word photo and video montages tracing his origin story as a young musical genius, his flourishing, influential career and his beautiful relationship with Vangie, the night showcased the intricacies and dynamism of Goodwin’s trademark Phat Band aesthetic on key tracks from throughout the group’s storied 25-year history.
After a beautiful montage showing the enduring love between Goodwin and Gunn and his effervescent personality, she took the show home with power, pride, and emotional intensity, evoking strong audience reaction for the heart-tugging “The Very Thought of You,” Goodwin’s soaring wordless vocal gem “Change Is Good” (featuring a video of Goodwin playing the piano solo) and the rousing anthem “Shine” which put an emphatic “go forth in love and musical power” coda on the spectacular evening.
