[Sultan165]

I really like the sound of big band jazz, but don't what artists to look for. The only cds I have right now are maynard ferguson, stan kenton, buddy rich, mcoy tyner and a collection of some of the older groups (duke ellington, benny goodman, count basie, etc.). If I had to be particular, I am more interested in something energetic with a strong horn section, rather than something laid back. Anyways, just looking for some recommendations.

 

[agile_one]

You don't mention if you have SACD or not, but if you do, there is an outstanding Duke/Count collaboration called, unlikely enough, Duke Ellington Meets Count Basie. This is sometimes subtitled, First Time.

Really excellent big band jazz with horns to die for. I only have the SACD (SACD only, not hybrid), but there should be a redbook version, too. I see you have all the other usual suspects, except perhaps Louis Prima, so that's all I can recommend.

 

[jerry1130]

Gordon Goodwin!!!!!!!

But seriously, Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band is probably the best out there right now imo, his cd Swingin' for the Fences is one of my all time favorite Jazz cd of all time, this band is filled with amazing players such as Wayne Bergeron and Eric Marienthal that will blow you away, if you like big band Gordon Goodwin is a must. Another recommendation would be "Hot House" by Arturo Sandoval's, the best trumpet player alive period.

 

[mojoman]

Try Duke Ellington's - Ellington at Newport. The last track, Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue, has one of the all time great sax solos ever recorded.

 

[DevilDog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry1130 Gordon Goodwin!!!!!!!

I'll second that. Jerry, you seem to have great taste in music.
I'll add the Tonight Show Band's recordings to the list. Maybe the greatest band ever put together.

 

[jerry1130]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevilDog Jerry, you seem to have great taste in music.

Thanks, my prefrence is largely based on my years playing trumpet in jazz band, I have seen may great deal of emsembles perform in big festivals like Reno Jazz, but nothing compares to seen Gordon and his Guys live, it was truly an amazing experience.

 

[JMT]

Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd
- Herd at Montreux
- The Essence of Woody Herman
- 1972 Live at the Newport Jazz Festival

Buddy Rich
- Best Band I Ever Had
- Buddy Rich/Maynard Ferguson: West Side Story and Others

Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra
- Suite For Pops
- Live at the Vanguard

Matrix
- Harvest (This one is really hard to find)

Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Orchestra
- Kogun (So is this one)

Don Ellis
- Electric Bath
- Connection
- Shock Treatment
- Tears of Joy
- Live at Monterey
- Live in 3 2/3 /4 Time

This will help get you started.

 

[DevilDog]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMT Woody Herman and the Thundering Herd - Herd at Montreux - The Essence of Woody Herman - 1972 Live at the Newport Jazz Festival Buddy Rich - Best Band I Ever Had - Buddy Rich/Maynard Ferguson: West Side Story and Others Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra - Suite For Pops - Live at the Vanguard

JMT, what is the quality of these recordings? I have/had some of these on vinyl and have bought some cds of Woody Herman and I was sorely disappointed with the quality. They probably were just cheap to begin with, but I'd like your thoughts on these, please.

Jerry, so you played in Jazz Band? So did I. Now I'm a band director. Go figure!

 

[Sultan165]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Looks like I have something to do for the weekend.

 

[augustwest]

Anyone interested in the "golden age" of big band music, should if possible, check out a syndicated radio program called, "The Swingin' Years", hosted by Chuck Cecil. Which covers the "big band" era 1935 - 1955. For more info, and to see if this program is available in your area visit the following link.

< http://satinballroom.com/swinginyears/chuckcecil.html >

- augustwest

 

[archosman]

How could you possible leave off DON ELLIS AT FILLMORE!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMT Don Ellis - Electric Bath - Connection - Shock Treatment - Tears of Joy - Live at Monterey - Live in 3 2/3 /4 Time...

 

[JMT]

Quote:

Originally Posted by archosman How could you possible leave off DON ELLIS AT FILLMORE!

Ummm, cause I don't have it....




.........yet.

 

[enzoferrari650]

I also vote for Gordon Goodwin.... I saw a performance he did at a small auditorium in my town and it was wonderful. Great musician.

 

[MusicJunkie]

One of the great things about living in LA is the opportunty to hear a lot of incredible big bands on a pretty regular basis. Gordon Goodwin, Bob Florence, Frank Capp Juggernaut, Bill Berry, Tom Kubis, Matt Catingub... the list goes on and on. Some of these bands are basically rehearsal bands and a lot of the players play in more than one band, if not many of the bands. LA bands of this caliber usually have A list studio musicians playing.

There are some seriously talented trumpet players that play in these bands. If you ever get a chance to hear Wayne Bergeron play lead for any band do not under any circumstances let the opportunity pass you by. This guy is a MONSTER! I've seen him live many times around town and even had the chance to chat briefly with him and let me tell you, he is as personable as he is talented and he may be the top player in LA right now. As is typical of a local big band gig the guys usually head straight to the bar during the break and I have yet to meet one of them that didn't want to chat about the band, the music biz, etc.

Back to the topic at hand, any of the bands I mentioned above would be worthwhile to check out. Most of them have cds available. My favorite is Bob Florence, closely followed by all the rest. I picked up Wayne Bergeron's cd from his website recently. This is some kick-ass contemporary big band jazz! Highly recommended.

MJ

 

[Tuberoller]

As much as I like Big band I can only get into it when I hear it live. One of my instructors in MARINE CORPS bomb school,has a great big band called The Chicago Skyliners and I really enjoy the great shows they put on. Like I said, I do enjoy big band but I like it best live and think that's the best way to hear it.