Swingin' For The Fences

I knew about this project about six months before its arrival, and I waited frantically for it to be released. This DVD has lived up to my expectations and WAY beyond! There has NOT been a better project done within the past decade. Thank you Mr. Goodwin and company.


studio mix, studio band   September 19, 2004
S. Close (USA)
16 out of 27 found this review helpful

When I read the other reviews I figured this had to be a must have cd. The players are good but I hear no dynamics (mp,ff etc.)The rhythm section plays at the same dynamic through out the album. The arrangements are somewhat interesting at times but give me the Basie band with Sammy Nestico charts. I grew up listening to Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Herman, Ellington & Basie.When an album is mixed now the two main instruments you hear are bass and drums. What about the 3rd trumpet, the bass bone, the 2nd tenor? Ahhh, lost in the mix...and also lost is the excitement a hot big band can create.


BURNIN'   February 12, 2001
Giovanni C. Washington-Wright (Dallas, TX United States)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

Burnin'... absolutely burnin'! This band is the real deal. They play these difficult tunes with incredible precision. The pitch, balance, and blend are all immaculate from start to finish. You simply can't miss with this group of L.A. all-stars: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Dennis Farias, Wayne Bergeron, Alex Iles, Andy Martin, Bill Reichenbach, Dan Higgins, Bill Liston, and, of course, Gordon Goodwin... just to name a few. The solos are also burnin' all around. Definitely the most compelling big band record I've heard in the past 10 years. Great charts, personnel, and recording technology. This CD is a MUST HAVE for all serious big band fans. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!


Phat Band is Phat-tastic!!!!   March 2, 2001
John J Carlson (Iowa City, IA USA)
11 out of 13 found this review helpful

This album is hands down the most fun, exciting, and inspiring big band CD I've listened to in a long long time - in fact let's just say CD of any type period - not just big band. I don't remember when I've had some many "smiles" "goosebumps" and "ooh ahhs" from the very first listen. And I don't remember when one CD has held my attention from cut to cut as this one has. The writing is phenomenal - just brilliant . . . the playing is technically awesome while yet inspired and passionate . . . anything but sterile. You can tell for the players this was not just another gig. Gordon Goodwin assembled an "A list" team of the best of the best and lit a fire under them like no other. And oh does it show! And as if this wasn't enough, the audio recording quality, presence, and mix is hands down the best for a big band I've heard. I've played in many big bands and I feel like I'm sitting right there in the section. Ten stars for this CD!! (I understand there's a 5.1 DVD audio version of this - can't imagine how good that must sound with a six channel system!)


Was my favorite CD....   March 27, 2005
LBC Bone (CA)
11 out of 23 found this review helpful

Note: Was. Now my tastes in jazz have been changed, and I see this album in a new light. This is a great CD for people who are just getting into jazz music. It's pleasing to the ear, easy to understand, and really great music all around. But I have to say just how sick I am of this group. When I hear it now I can only think of how tacky it is and how geared towards sales it must be. Honestly, listen to the Dave Holland Big Band compared to Gordon Goodwin, and the difference is undeniable. I do understand much of this is a matter of preference and tastes, but I wish to point people in the direction of (in my opinion at least) better and more sophisticated jazz. Another note: please, all high school jazz bands, stop playing Gordon's stuff. You're butchering it and over playing this good music into the ground.
So, if you're new to the genre and are looking for a good CD to listen to, Gordon Goodwin is an excellent choice. If you want something that offers a little more, look elsewhere, there are better groups out there.