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Dax Thunder, Man of Mystery with Wayne Bergeron and Matt Bates!
The "25 Years of Phatness" journey continues with one of Gordon Goodwin's newest creations: Dax Thunder, Man of Mystery.
Packed with secret-agent swagger, cinematic intrigue, and more than a few nods to classic spy thrillers, this brand-new composition introduces listeners to the mysterious world of Dax Thunder. But beneath the cool James Bond inspired vibe lies everything fans have come to expect from Gordon's writing-masterful counterpoint, brilliant orchestration, unexpected twists, and the infectious energy that has defined the Big Phat Band for 25 years.
Join Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler as they explore the inspiration behind the chart and uncover the musical secrets hidden within this thrilling new addition to 25 Years of Phatness. Featured guest Wayne Bergeron shares stories behind his electrifying performance, while animator Matt Bates discusses bringing Dax Thunder to life as an animated character inspired by Gordon himself.
From Wayne's blazing trumpet work to imaginative storytelling, this episode reveals how music, creativity, humor, and artistry came together to create one of the most entertaining new chapters in the Big Phat Band legacy.
The name is Thunder... Dax Thunder.
Wayne Bergeron:
https://www.waynebergeron.com/
Matt Bates:
https://www.matthewbatesart.com/
Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:
https://www.vangie.me/
Andrew Kesler:
https://andrewkesler.com/
Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:
https://www.bigphatband.com/
All things Gordon Goodwin and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band! Let Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler tell you all about it!
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11. Phat Tracks Vault with Gordon Goodwin 1
01:07:31||Season 1, Ep. 11Welcome to the Phat Tracks Vault with Gordon Goodwin—a special series from The Big Phat Pod.For this episode, we're stepping back in time and turning the microphone over to Gordon. Originally broadcast on his beloved radio show, Phat Tracks, this classic episode captures Gordon exactly as so many fans remember him: sharing great music, incredible stories, and his unmistakable passion for big band jazz.Whether you were a longtime listener of the original radio show or you're discovering it for the very first time, the Phat Tracks Vault is your chance to experience Gordon's wit, wisdom, and love of music just as he shared it on the air.So sit back, turn it up, and enjoy this journey into the vault. There are many more to come.Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/Big Phat Pod YouTube:https://youtube.com/@bigphatpod?si=FNAE0yBQkKB84PWmListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.Stay shiny, stay Phat, and keep moving forward.
10. Change Is Good with Wayne Bergeron, Fletcher Sheridan and David Loucks
01:20:08||Season 1, Ep. 10In this episode of The Big Phat Pod, we explore one of Gordon's most heartfelt compositions, Change is GoodFeaturing the lush vocal artistry of Fletcher Sheridan, David Loucks, Alvin Chea of Take 6, and Vangie Gunn-Goodwin, this beautiful ballad is rich with emotion, intricate harmonies, and breathtaking musicianship.We also reflect and talk about Gordon's final recorded piano solo—a deeply personal performance that now feels like a love letter, showcasing his extraordinary touch, mastery of the piano, impeccable taste, and unmistakable voice at the piano. There are lots of recorded videos from both the piano and vocal sessions on this episode that you will love. Bittersweet, beautiful, and deeply moving, this episode celebrates a piece of music that reminds us that while change can be difficult, it can also lead us to grace, growth, and hope.Both Emotional and filled with humor this episode reveals so much of how Gordon brought his brilliance to life.David Michael Loucks:https://www.davidloucksmusic.com/Fletcher Sheridan:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0792165/Alvin Chea:https://take6.com/Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/Big Phat Pod YouTube:https://youtube.com/@bigphatpod?si=FNAE0yBQkKB84PWmListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.Stay shiny, stay Phat, and keep moving forward.
9. Glitch In The Simulation with Dan Kaneyuki, Ryan Mowrey, and the Sax Guys!
01:35:27||Season 1, Ep. 9In this episode of The Big Phat Pod, we dive into Glitch in the Simulation, one of Gordon's most innovative compositions. Hear Danny Kaneyuki break down his blazing soprano sax solo, the sax section reveal how they mastered the song's intricate and unforgettable opening, and our phenomenal sound and tech guru, Ryan Mowrey, share how modern programming and technology helped shape the track's cutting-edge sound.It's a behind-the-scenes look at the creativity, precision, and collaboration that make this chart unlike any other.Danny Kaneyuki:http://www.dankaneyuki.com/Jay Mason:https://www.bigphatband.com/members/saxophones/jay-masonAnibal Seminario:https://anibalseminario.com/pressBrett McDonald:https://www.brettmcdonaldmusic.com/Ryan Mowrey:https://www.instagram.com/ryan.mowrey/Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/Big Phat Pod YouTube:https://youtube.com/@bigphatpod?si=FNAE0yBQkKB84PWmListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.Stay shiny, stay Phat, and keep moving forward.
8. Hunting Wabbits 25 PT 2- with the Sax Guys, and Brian Kilgore
01:26:18||Season 1, Ep. 8The story continues!There was simply too much to say about "Hunting Wabbits 25" to fit into one episode!In Part 2, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler take an even deeper dive into one of Gordon Goodwin's most iconic compositions. Hear from the Big Phat Band saxophone section as they break down the legendary opening soli that has challenged and thrilled audiences and musicians alike for years. Then, go behind the scenes with first-call percussionist Brian Kilgore, who shares how the addition of timpani and orchestral percussion helped transform this new recording into an even more cinematic experience.From intricate ensemble writing to world-class musicianship, discover why Hunting Wabbits 25 continues to be one of the most celebrated charts in the Big Phat Band catalog—and why this reimagined version takes it to an exciting new level.Brian Kilgore:https://briankilgoremusic.com/Brian_Kilgore_Music/Home.htmlBrian Scanlon:https://www.brianscanlonmusic.com/Alex Hahn:https://www.alexhahnmusic.com/Danny Kaneyuki:http://www.dankaneyuki.com/Jay Mason:https://www.bigphatband.com/members/saxophones/jay-masonAnibal Seminario:https://anibalseminario.com/pressBrett McDonald:https://www.brettmcdonaldmusic.com/Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/Big Phat Pod YouTube:https://youtube.com/@bigphatpod?si=FNAE0yBQkKB84PWmListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.Stay shiny, stay Phat, and keep moving forward.
7. Hunting Wabbits 25- with Wayne Bergeron, Andy Martin and the Trombone Guys!
01:22:17||Season 1, Ep. 7The 25 Years of Phatness journey continues with one of Gordon Goodwin's most iconic and beloved compositions: "Hunting Wabbits 25."A fan favorite requested at nearly every Big Phat Band performance, this legendary chart returns bigger than ever with the addition of strings, timpani, and expanded orchestral percussion bringing a whole new cinematic dimension to Gordon's brilliant world of animation and inspired jazz.In Part One of this special two-part episode, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler unpack the history of "Hunting Wabbits," the genius behind Gordon's storytelling through music, and why this piece continues to capture audiences around the world.Featuring conversations with the incomparable Wayne Bergeron, the legendary Andy Martin discussing his unforgettable trombone solo from both the original Hunting Wabbits and the NEW Hunting Wabbits 25, and the powerhouse Big Phat Band trombone section, this episode takes you inside the creativity, humor, and musical mastery behind one of Gordon's greatest works.Be vewy, vewy quiet… we're hunting Phatness. 🐰🎶Wayne Bergeron:https://www.waynebergeron.com/Andy Martin:https://www.drewbone.com/homeVangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/Big Phat Pod YouTube:https://youtube.com/@bigphatpod?si=FNAE0yBQkKB84PWmListen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.Stay shiny, stay Phat, and keep moving forward.
6. The Gnashing of Teeth with Brian Scanlon, The Rhythm Guys, and The Sax Guys
53:20||Season 1, Ep. 6This week, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler dive into one of the most exciting new compositions from 25 Years of Phatness: "The Gnashing of Teeth."Funky. Intense. Unexpected.Driven by a powerhouse rhythm section, this chart will have you locked into the groove before taking a dramatic turn into what may be Gordon's most brilliant and sophisticated saxophone soli ever written. It's a musical journey full of surprises, incredible craftsmanship, and the unmistakable genius that has defined Gordon's music for decades.Join us as we talk with the rhythm section, the entire sax section, and featured tenor saxophonist Brian Scanlon, whose blazing solo helps make this one of the standout tracks on the album.This song is quickly becoming one of our favorites—and we have a feeling it'll become one of yours too.Brian Scanlon:https://www.brianscanlonmusic.com/Kevin Axt:https://www.bigphatband.com/members/rhythm/kevin-axtRay Brinker:http://www.raybrinker.com/bioJoey DeLeon:https://www.bigphatband.com/members/rhythm/joey-deleonQuinn Johnson:http://quinnjmu.wwwaz1-ss5.a2hosted.com/Danny Kaneyuki:http://www.dankaneyuki.com/Alex Hahn:https://www.alexhahnmusic.com/Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch on YouTube.Stay shiny, stay Phat, and keep moving forward.
5. In This Moment with Aaron Janik, David Loucks, and Fletcher Sheridan
50:02||Season 1, Ep. 5The journey through 25 Years of Phatness continues with "In This Moment," a breathtaking new composition that showcases Gordon Goodwin's unique approach to the modern jazz ballad.Inspired in part by the lyrical soundscapes of Pat Metheny, this rhythmically driven piece blends beauty, intensity, and constant motion with Gordon's signature writing and masterful orchestration. Featured vocalists Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and David Loucks bring warmth and emotion to the melody, while Aaron Janik delivers a stunning flugelhorn solo that has quickly become a favorite among the band.Join Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler as they explore the inspiration behind this remarkable composition, the recording process, and why "In This Moment" is already earning a special place in the hearts of both the musicians and fans of the Big Phat Band.Aaron Janik:https://www.aaronjanik.com/David Michael Loucks:https://www.davidloucksmusic.com/Fletcher Sheridan:https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0792165/Vangie Gunn-Goodwin:https://www.vangie.me/Andrew Kesler:https://andrewkesler.com/Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band:https://www.bigphatband.com/
3. Everywhere U Look with Dan Kaneyuki and the Saxes!
48:36||Season 1, Ep. 3The celebration of 25 Years of Phatness continues with "Everywhere U Look" the second release from the upcoming Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band anniversary album.In this episode of The Big Phat Pod, Vangie Gunn-Goodwin and Andrew Kesler share the story behind this burning chart, including the heartfelt reason Gordon originally wrote it. Which was to create a special opportunity for Vangie to join the legendary Big Phat Band saxophone section.You'll also hear from members of the sax section as they discuss the music, the recording process, and what makes this chart such a standout. Featured soloist Danny Kaneyuki also stops by to talk about his fiery alto sax solo and the experience of putting his own stamp on this new recording.From behind-the-scenes stories to musical insights, this episode offers a deeper look into one of the newest additions to the 25 Years of Phatness collection, and the people who make the Phat Band sound so unforgettable.Dan Kaneyuki:http://www.dankaneyuki.com/Brian Scanlon:https://www.brianscanlonmusic.com/Alex Hahn:https://www.alexhahnmusic.com/