When I say quotes and paraphrases, I don't mean from other tunes or arrangements, but after you listen to (or are lucky to play any of ) the big phat band cds (and there aren't many) it becomes easier to hear repeated phrases, motifs, rhythmic and melodic ideas in each new tune. eg. First there was "Count Bubba", then came "Count Bubbas revenge" and now on this cd there is the track watermelon man, which uses various phrases frpm the aforementioned. Then there are the numerous sonorous devices, muted tpts with flutes and piano unison lines. Even the first track "hit the ground running" bears a lot of resemblance to "a few good men" in rhythm and phrases. These are just a few observations. I like the band (I wouldn't have bought the cd otherwise) but you have to admit that unlike other bi bands, the arrangements and their format seem to have gotten a little repetitive after so few albums. Compare say for example, arrangers like Toshiko Akiyoshi, Bob Brookmeyer, Bob Florence, Tom Kubis, Bill Holman, Gordon Brisker, Maria Schneider, Gil Evans to name just a few and would you say that they are as repetitive as Goodwin? Even after the ammount of work they have/had produced?
The playing obviously is very good, top notch.