[Dixielandjazz] Phat Band

[Tim Eldred]

I am a major fan of Gordon Goodwin's Phat Band.  The original CD was recommended to me by a former trumpeter with Basie who told me "it swings and cooks."  And was he ever right!  I can just imagine the energy and excitement the group generates live - must be incredible!  The key, to me, is that the group has its own groove and sounds as if they are enjoying the hell out of every note - not just imitating Basie or other big bands, but finding a way to put their own mark on the music.

Find your voice (band or individual) and then play it!  Admire whomever you want, but don't just imitate.  The audience notices!

Tim Eldred
Roseville, CA