A look at local band ‘Gooder’

Cindy Liska

Modern rock gets a one-two punch from the high-energy and good-time artistry of the Valley band Gooder.

The group integrates the “coffee shop rock” of Scott Gavin, “heavy metal basement grooves” of Brad Nelson, and Chris Kantor’s “shred-ability”, combining for a sound and energy that make fans sit up and take note.

Lead singer, Scott Gavin, described their sound as “getting slapped in the face by the hottest girl at the party and then taking her home.”

With influences like the Goo Goo Dolls, Gin Blossoms, Matchbox Twenty and a splash of Blink-182, combined with some Bon Jovi and ’80s hair metal, Gooder doesn’t just rock, they bring the crowd to its feet with the force of their stage presence.

Gooder’s repertoire combines original songs, such as “Chasing Shadows,” “Summer” and “Wasted,” with eclectic covers from bands like O.A.R. and Barenaked Ladies. They kick random songs of Backstreet Boys and Paula Abdul into high gear, giving them a newfangled and unexpected twist, not to mention their rendition of “Sweet Home, Arizona.”

Gooder has been performing in the Phoenix area for over a decade. They opened for Sum 41 in Phoenix and have been fixtures at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon and the Fiesta Bowl Block Party.

They also had the opportunity to go on a two-week U.S. military tour to Qaanaaq, Greenland. Gavin described the experience as “playing on the moon.”

“We were only 900 miles away from the North Pole, performing for our troops,” he said.

In addition to shaking things up on stage with Gooder, Gavin also has a unique day job. He has spent the last 11 years as the Arizona Cardinals mascot and game entertainment assistant, affording him opportunities like dancing onstage with the Black Eyed Peas at University of Phoenix Stadium.

As Big Red, he has performed in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year, appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and toured the Balkans with the Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders.

Either way, it’s all about the energy.

“We like to make a connection with our fans. It’s not just about standing around and playing. It’s about the live show, engaging the audience and bringing it all together,” Galvin said.

Sara DaCosta, first-time Gooder-goer, agreed.

“I was hooked from the first song. Gooder exudes a passion on stage, not just in their music. They really want the crowd to interact with the experience. I am officially a fan,” DaCosta said.

Gooder appears regularly at Culinary Dropout, as well as other venues around the Valley. More information can be found on their web site www.gooderrules.com.

 

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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