ITG 2004

Elisa Koehler, Reporter

The Famous American Trumpet Section (Brad Goode, Dennis Reynolds, Mike Wade, and Pharez Whitted) launched into their first selection without an introduction. Accompanied by the 2004 ITG Conference Rhythm Section (Eric Dunnison – piano; Mike Marlier – drums; and Ken Walker – bass), the group sounded very much like a big band minus the low brass and saxophones. Featuring solos by Whitted, Goode, and Wade as well as the pianist Dunnison, the high energy work served notice that the audience was in for a Saturday morning treat.

After the first piece, Brad Goode introduced the members of the group and greeted the audience saying, “Welcome to our warm up session!” Referring to the group’s name, Goode mentioned that they like to shorten it to “FATS,” and joked, “We’re famous in our own minds.” Currently the Ensemble-in-Residence at the Black Studies program at the Cleveland Institute, the group is available for school clinics to work with student jazz ensembles.

Goode served as the host for the morning and introduced the program from the stage, beginning with the next tune, Herbie Hancock’s Dolphin Dance, which featured solos by Mike Wade and Pharez Whitted. Goode then introduced a special guest, his “teacher and friend” Ira Sullivan, who joined the group for the next tune, Undecided by Charlie Schaefer. Spotlighting Sullivan on flugelhorn along with solos by members of the rhythm section, the main tune showcased the great ensemble blend of the four trumpeters. Throughout the concert, it was a pleasure to hear and witness the joyful camaraderie of the group as they relinquished the spotlight for each other’s solos and danced in the wings.

A particular highlight was Goode’s oddly titled tune, At the End of the Performance, Act Like a Chicken. The work showcased a blistering solo by Sullivan (on soprano sax this time) and a creative tour de force by Goode. With rapid-fire dynamic and stylistic contrasts and incredible technique to match, Goode played all over the horn and all over the musical map.

Another Goode original followed, Schizocopters. Based on the changes to Autumn Leaves, Goode explained that maple seeds falling to the ground while spinning around inspired the title of the work. Dennis Reynolds captivated the audience with his sultry harmon mute solo, and bassist Ken Walker also contributed an artfully crafted solo.

The final work of the morning was Demented Blues, another tune by Brad Goode. Ira Sullivan returned (on trumpet this time) and every member of the group enjoyed several solo opportunities. Mike Wade practically blew the roof off during his explosive solo and Brad Goode again showcased his incredible creative style. Ratcheting up the energy with trade-off solos of increasingly shorter duration, the tune ended with an exuberant final statement of the tune that left the appreciate audience wishing the concert would never end.