Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band ‍

25 Years of Phatness | The Music Continues

For more than 25 years, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band has helped redefine the sound and possibilities of contemporary big-band jazz. Combining the precision and power of a world-class jazz orchestra with the harmonic imagination of modern jazz, the rhythmic drive of funk and Latin music, and the dramatic scope of film scoring, the ensemble has established a distinctive musical identity recognized by audiences and musicians around the world.

That music continues.

Following the passing of Grammy- and Emmy-winning composer, arranger, pianist, and saxophonist Gordon Goodwin in December 2025, the Big Phat Band enters its next chapter under the leadership of vocalist and producer Vangie Gunn-Goodwin, supported by the extraordinary musicians who helped establish the band's sound.

25 Years of Phatness — Released July 31, 2026

The band's thirteenth album, 25 Years of Phatness, represents an extraordinary final recording statement from Gordon Goodwin.

Released July 31, 2026, the 11-track collection includes eight previously unreleased selections and three newly conceived versions of familiar Big Phat Band favorites. Recorded before Gordon's passing, the album captures his compositional imagination and the remarkable musicianship of the ensemble he built.

The repertoire includes Dax Thunder, Man of Mystery, The Gnashing of Teeth, In This Moment, Everywhere You Look, and new interpretations of Sing Sang Sung, Hunting Wabbits, and Jazz Police. Legendary trumpeter Herb Alpert makes a special appearance on A Taste of Honey.

The album was co-produced by Wayne Bergeron and Vangie Gunn-Goodwin alongside Gordon Goodwin's production work.

The recording is also reaching new listeners. 25 Years of Phatness rose to No. 76 on JazzWeek's national all-release jazz radio chart dated October 19, 2026, with airplay reported by 20 stations.

The Musicians. The Music. The Legacy.

The Big Phat Band's identity has always rested on the remarkable musicians Gordon assembled and the individual artistry each brings to the ensemble.

Among the band's celebrated longtime members and collaborators are trumpeter Wayne Bergeron, saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trombonist Andy Martin, saxophonist Brian Scanlon, drummer Ray Brinker, and percussionist Joey DeLeon. Vangie Gunn-Goodwin continues as a featured vocalist and provides leadership for the band's ongoing activities.

These are musicians whose recording and performance careers extend across jazz, commercial music, film, television, and major international touring productions. Together, they helped give Gordon's demanding arrangements their exceptional precision, flexibility, and unmistakable character.

The band continues to perform Gordon's celebrated repertoire while introducing listeners to music from his final creative period.