The Frank "Big Boy Goudie" Collection
In 1956 Frank “Big Boy” Goudie’s expressive New Orleans-style clarinet was welcomed into the flourishing San Francisco Jazz Revival after 32 years overseas in Europe and South America. Splendidly restored audio, vivid photos and generous liner notes illuminate this rediscovered Gentleman of Jazz.
In an autumnal blossoming of his art, he found fresh inspiration with skilled musicians who honored the Jazz traditions he’d always lived by. An intimate portrait and Goudie’s most personal music emerge from recovered broadcasts, jam sessions and casuals.
Frank Big Boy Goudie on the West Coast
Vol. 1, Big Boys Blues 1958-62
Pier 23 broadcast, Bob Mielke and The Bearcats, Burt Bales, Dick Oxtot’s Stompers, Bill Erickson Combo
Frank Big Boy Goudie on the West Coast
Vol. 2, Frank’s Jams 1959-63
Pier 23 Broadcasts and Jam Sessions with Horn Players: Byron Berry, Robin Hodes, Ray Ronnei, Amos White and Walter Yost
The Monkey Inn Tapes
The Frank “Big Boy” Goudie, Bob Mielke, Bill Erickson Combos.
A sonic spectacular, this is the first release of Bill Erickson’s audacious piano improvisations. For Frank Big Boy Goudie, it’s only the second title issued under his almost-forgotten name. This combo was co-operative, adventurous and musically sophisticated, with direct ties to early New Orleans.
Five hours of vividly recorded stereo tapes offer an intimate view of brilliant musicians conducting an on-stage master class in jazz improvisation, offering fresh interpretations of New Orleans, swing and popular American standards.
Frank “Big Boy” Goudie (clarinet) was a repatriated music veteran returning home after three decades jamming with the jazz elite of Europe.
Bob Mielke (trombone) followed Kid Ory, Tricky Sam Nanton and J.C. Higginbotham and was leader of the successful Bearcats band central to the Frisco Jazz revival.
Bill Erickson (piano) was a little-known jam session director, musical genius, and arranger and raconteur best known for hosting jam sessions at Pier 23 on the Frisco waterfront, Berkeley jam sessions and house parties.
Jimmy Carter (drums) was a skilled New Orleans-born musician.
Vol. 1, The Quartet
Introduction to this swinging combo and Erickson’s imaginative piano style.
Vol. 2, The Mystery Horn Sessions
Cornet player Jerry Blumberg who blended the best of New York and New Orleans trumpet techniques in his original horn style joins the combo
Vol. 3, Quartet and Quintet: From the Woodshed
A double serving of classic jazz, popular favorites and swing played by both the quartet and quintet.
Frank “Big Boy” Goudie: A Big Life
Frank “Big Boy” Goudie (pronounced “goody”) was tall and handsome, a cultured gentleman with advanced musical skills. He was large and broad with a massive frame, at least six feet five inches tall. Traveling the world, this master musician led four distinct musical lives.
New Orleans and the Southwest 1917-24: Born near New Orleans, he was a journeyman jazz cornet player before 1920. Moving to Texas, he went on the road in the Southwestern states and Northern Mexico.
Paris and Europe 1924-39 and 1946-56: Big Boy became quite popular in Paris. Focusing on tenor saxophone, he easily made the transition to Swing. For nearly three decades Goudie worked, recorded or jammed with the jazz elite of Europe — except during the Second World War.
South America 1939-46: Unable to leave South America until the war ended, Frank played Latin dance music, Samba-swing and Jazz when he could, encouraging a nascent jazz movement. He and wife Madeleine operated a small cafe in Rio de Janeiro and traveled the continent.
San Francisco 1956-64: Repatriating to the United States after 32 years overseas, Goudie’s expressive New Orleans-style clarinet was welcomed into the flourishing San Francisco Jazz Revival.