Gordon Goodwin Biography

Gordon Goodwin is an American jazz pianist, saxophonist, composer, arranger and conductor.

Gordon Goodwin began his musical education at Cal State Northridge with Joel Leach and Bill Calkins. He wrote his first big band chart when he was in the 7th grade, called "Hang Loose". After graduation he was recruited to Louie Bellson's big band, where he played with the likes of Pete Christlieb and Don Menza. He went on to play under Les Hooper and Grant Geissman.

Since then, Goodwin has risen to prominence in the American jazz scene with his big band, The Big Phat Band. In the band, Goodwin plays piano and occasionally both the soprano and tenor saxophone. This band brings together the talents of such players as Wayne Bergeron and Eric Marienthal. The music is all written or adapted by Gordon Goodwin. Several of his songs are plays on old jazz tunes: a prime example is "Sing, Sang, Sung" which mimics the famous Benny Goodman song "Sing, Sing, Sing". Under Goodwin's direction, the band has released three albums: "Swingin' For The Fences", which received two Grammy nominations, and "XXL", which received three. Their newest album, "The Phat Pack" was released on June 13, 2006.

Gordon Goodwin's music with the Big Phat Band is distributed by Silverline Records.

As a film scorer, Goodwin has worked on such films as Fern Gully, The Majestic and Enemy of the State. His work in television includes music for the TV series The Animaniacs. His recording history includes performances with artists as diverse as Mel Torme, Ray Charles and Christina Aguilera. Goodwin himself has received many individual awards, including a recent Grammy for Best Instrumental Arrangement for his work on the feature film The Incredibles. He is also a three time Emmy winner.

Goodwin has also been a guest conductor for such groups as the London Symphony Orchestra and Seattle Symphony Orchestra.

His music is published by companies such as Hal Leonard, Alfred Music Publishing, and Walrus Music.

The Big Phat Band has three albums currently released:

1. Swingin' For The Fences (Released January 23rd 2001)

2. XXL (Released September 23rd 2003)

3. The Phat Pack (Released June 13th 2006)