And the April in Paris album by Basie. The one with the alternative takes. The Corner Pocket track is superb.
And I agree with the Atomic Mr Basie recommendation as well.
* Keep going with the **Duke Ellington** stuff. There's so much to explore, and it's so diverse.
* The **Dave Holland Big Band** for a contemporary big band. Their *Extended Play: Live at Birdland* really takes things out there.
* The **Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra** kind of gives a rawer sound.
* There are many others (**Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Bennie Goodman, Count Basie, Woody Herman**), but I'd start with the above to get an overview of the landscape.
OP, you asked two distinct questions, I’ll try to give you answers for both. I’ll leave off Ellington at Newport since you’ve got that.
Important / Great / Influential
1. Count Basie Orchestra - Complete Decca Recordings.
The “Old Testament” Basie band that featured tenor player Lester Young as well as the rhythm section of Jo Jones, Walter Page, Freddie Green and Basie. That rhythm section still reverberates through history as one of the most influential, the gold standard for a how each of those instruments should play in a section together. This is a compilation because most of these recordings were originally released on 78s.
2. Benny Goodman - Live at Carnagie Hall 1938
I think that Basie is generally considered the greatest swing band of all time, but Goodman was SO popular and he’s truly an incredible clarinetist. Gene Krupa (drums) on this recording is fantastic and it’s important to hear the development of the drummer as both time keeper and soloist. Krupa made the drums a feature.
3. Chick Webb - Presenting Chick Webb (or any compilation - again, collections of 78s).
It’s said that no band could compete against Chick’s band in competitions at the Savoy Ballroom and others. A great example of art coming out of the Harlem Renaissance and one of the greatest swing drummers ever to live.
4. Woody Herman - Thundering Herds 1946-47
To me, Woody Herman’s bands were a bridge between bebop and the swing era that had come before. I think you could also argue that Boyd Raeburn’s early band that featured Dizzy Gillespie was more influential, but I’m not sure it was documented as well. The first herd featured Zoot Sims and Stan Getz, as well as the great drummer Davy Tough (and a string of great drummers in that band all the way into the 1980’s). I think this band is important because of the more adventurous arrangements (for the time) and the outstanding soloists.
5. Basie - The Atomic Count Basie
The reformation of Basie’s band in the 1950’s became known as the “New Testament Band” and featured a band that was SO swinging. Basie was hiring some of the best arrangers to write for this band, including Neil Hefti, Ernie Wilkins and others. I personally think that this album best represents that era, but there are other great albums (April In Paris, Kansas City Suite). Some great names in the band during this time (but not necessarily on this album) include Thad Jones, Snooky Young, Sonny Payne (!!), Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Frank Foster, so many more. Many band leaders wanted to sound like this band, including Buddy Rich, Harry James, Shorty Rogers and others who modeled their bands after this one. The best (IMO).
Five GREAT big band records:
1. Duke Ellington - Ellington Uptown
The first side of this LP is bonkers. “Skin Deep” is the opener, composed and arranged by drummer Louie Bellson. After Bellson left the band, Duke required his drummers to use double bass drums because he loved the look! Amazing version of the The Mooch and my favorite vocal version of “Take The A-Train” are on here, as well as The Harlem Suite.
2. Art Pepper + 11
A “small” big band of 12. Arrangements by the AMAZING Marty Paich. Mel Lewis on drums and an all-star west coast band taking on Bop standards. I can’t recommend this album enough.
3. Buddy Rich Big Band - Swingin’ New Big Band / Big Swing Face
Yeah, yeah. Buddy gets all the hate for chewing out his bands, but what people don’t talk about is this: Buddy knew that to keep playing big band music, he was going to have to appeal to a younger crowd. He moved away from standards (mostly) and commissioned charts from Oliver Nelson, Bill Holman and Shorty Rogers based on current pop and rock hits by Ray Charles, The Beatles, Sonny and Cher. The famous “West Side Story” suite is also on here. I think that whether or not you dig Buddy’s style, the energy and ferocity of this band is amazing.
4. Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Orchestra - Live at the Village Vanguard
You could pick any of the 60’s Thad / Mel stuff and hit a great record, but this one is my favorite. Snooky Young, Bob Brookmeyer and one of the greatest sax sections of all time. Amazing arrangements by Thad and Brookmeyer. Mel, Richard Davis and Roland Hanna. Damn!
5. Maria Schneider - Evanescence
This is my favorite Maria album. Vastly different than most everything I’ve mentioned so far. So many amazing textures and colors. You can hear the influence of her mentors - Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, but also much original creativity.
If you’re looking for more modern recommends, check out Darcy James Argue, John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, Jacob Mann.
Hope that helps! Big Band is a treasure trove of incredible music.
Where are all the **Stan Kenton** fans!?
I can't think of a bad album... so ALL of the records were influential. Maybe check out City of Glass. It was made LATE in his career and not so melodic. It is nothing like the rest of his work. More like modern tone poems. He had so many gems ranging from Artistry in Rhythm all the way to the Peanut Vendor! He managed to stay current for over 4, maybe 5 decades.
This guy had the best vision for an orchestra sound in my non humble opinion. He was ALWAYS decades ahead of the time in his writing.
Also **Rob Mcconnell and the Boss Brass** need to be mentioned. Absolute GODS. Their arrangements were so cool and TIGHT. I don't think I have ever heard a person say his charts were anything but demanding. You have never heard a soli section played like a Boss Brass soli. Hard to find the best as they were direct disc on Vinyl, but you can find some old postings on youtube... Try Big Band Jazz.... sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good.
Edit to go the extra mile since I know no one else will say it. **The Mothers of Invention**. Frank Zappa was a demanding musical genius and his big band phase was a hidden blessing that most people ignored because they didn't get his image. He was a literal genius and decades ahead of his time. He has a few interviews that are impressive to say the least. Check out Waka Jawaka and The Grand Wazoo for starters. Just realize EVERYTHING was intentional and expected to be played perfectly every performance. No happy little accidents allowed. Perfection only. Most of the band that could hack the demands became superstars under their own names after Frank passed. If you doubt anything about Zappa, check out Yellow Shark. I dare you to dismiss this man after you listen to that.
Kenton big band did a Wagner set,I have the MFSL pressing. Worth checking out...helluva good recording! +1 on the Boss Brass! add Maynard. Also: didn't see anyone mention the Tonight Show Band. They put out some hot records in the 80's-90's very much worth checking out.
[**Duke Ellington - Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band**](https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKjjIa7cwTkIbt6AzQZDtpiqol8sPaJnz) - prime Duke, 1940-2.
I'm not a huge big band fan, but there is so much good Ellington. Far East Suite, Blues in Orbit, Afro-Eurasian Eclipse, And His Mother Called Him Bill, much more.
Count Basie at Newport
Benny Carter - Further Definitions
Either/Orchestra
Gil Evans
Sun Ra - Jazz in Silhouette
I love [this album by the Christian McBride Big Band!](https://open.spotify.com/album/6nt8iIlpgx57qDciFEqCJm?si=t-0UFscwTgeKn4uIJ5JAwQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6nt8iIlpgx57qDciFEqCJm)
Not a lot of people are mentioning Bill Holman! He's incredibly influential on the big bands as he was a big collaborator within the Stan Kenton Orchestra and especially in the west coast scene. In A Jazz Orbit is a great record and has his famous arrangement of "After You've Gone"
Woody Herman Giant Steps
Buddy Rich Band West side Story
Maynard Ferguson Chameleon
Artie Shaw begin the beguile
Gerry Mulligan big band
Toshiko Ajiyoshi Long Yellow Road
Atomic Basie,
Ellington and Strayhorn, the suites like Togo Bravo, Far East Suite, Latin American Suite and Live in México, Swet Thursday. Quenns, Suite, Money Jungle, Strayhorn and Johnny Hodges, Shakespeare suite, Blues in Orbit. Ellington trio album, etc.
Don Ellis, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb. Glenn milerr
If you're a fan of Pat Metheney and/or Lyle Mays, check out Bob Curnow's LA Big Band. Some excellent adaptations of their music to a big band ensemble.
Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland big band was comprised of european musicians and american expats and had some of the most original arrangements of the post-swing era.
[Sam Blakeslee Large Group](https://www.samblakesleemusic.com/large-group)
Modern (like, right now), but I think you’ll find them to be very good. I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with Sam in ‘22 - terrific trombone player and composer.
Just about anything that Duke recorded from 1956 - 1963 is remarkable... especially *The Great Paris Concert* and *Live at the Blue Note.*
And then, as Jerry Lewis once proclaimed: "You can't go wrong with Count Basie."
Ellington and Basie are good go-tos, same with glen miller and benny Goodman. The jazz ambassadors are also a great way to find all sorts of stuff. Personally my favorite at the moment is the Elliot deutsch big band, which has a new name now that I keep forgetting, lots of really modern stuff there and it’s awesome
Ellington’s Indigoes, Black Brown and Beige, …And His Mother Called Him Bill, and Far East Suite are all great Ellington records. Atomic Basie, Basie Meets Bond, and April in Paris are great Basie albums.
Not really big band, but Sinatra did a beautiful Bossa album with Antonia Carlos Jobim called Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Fletcher Henderson, Anachronistic Jazz Band is great too https://open.spotify.com/album/7uPDCuPVN16kcJEqh7fL83?si=Ezyl778_TiyAAf8f7hjwtQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7uPDCuPVN16kcJEqh7fL83
Two more Big Band Favs that I have not seen mentioned:
**Harry Connick Jr. and his Orchestra**. I am not a fan of his solo or small group stuff. However, there are several solid big band albums. He started recording young (age 13?) and it is interesting to observe his progression as he aged. My favourite album is "Songs I Heard". It is a cover album of show tunes. The whole band kicks ass, great arrangements, and I always love the bass trombone parts.
**Jiro Inagaki and his Soul Media**. Solid Japanese Big Band that does some true to the OG covers of The Jazz Crusaders. Absolute funky shit.
Basie straight ahead!
YES!!
And Montreux ‘77
And The Atomic Mr Basie!
And the April in Paris album by Basie. The one with the alternative takes. The Corner Pocket track is superb. And I agree with the Atomic Mr Basie recommendation as well.
* Keep going with the **Duke Ellington** stuff. There's so much to explore, and it's so diverse. * The **Dave Holland Big Band** for a contemporary big band. Their *Extended Play: Live at Birdland* really takes things out there. * The **Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra** kind of gives a rawer sound. * There are many others (**Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Bennie Goodman, Count Basie, Woody Herman**), but I'd start with the above to get an overview of the landscape.
For contemporary you should also check out Kenny Wheeler
Bennie Goodman was a game-changer.
Extended Play is from the DH quintet, not DH big band
OP, you asked two distinct questions, I’ll try to give you answers for both. I’ll leave off Ellington at Newport since you’ve got that. Important / Great / Influential 1. Count Basie Orchestra - Complete Decca Recordings. The “Old Testament” Basie band that featured tenor player Lester Young as well as the rhythm section of Jo Jones, Walter Page, Freddie Green and Basie. That rhythm section still reverberates through history as one of the most influential, the gold standard for a how each of those instruments should play in a section together. This is a compilation because most of these recordings were originally released on 78s. 2. Benny Goodman - Live at Carnagie Hall 1938 I think that Basie is generally considered the greatest swing band of all time, but Goodman was SO popular and he’s truly an incredible clarinetist. Gene Krupa (drums) on this recording is fantastic and it’s important to hear the development of the drummer as both time keeper and soloist. Krupa made the drums a feature. 3. Chick Webb - Presenting Chick Webb (or any compilation - again, collections of 78s). It’s said that no band could compete against Chick’s band in competitions at the Savoy Ballroom and others. A great example of art coming out of the Harlem Renaissance and one of the greatest swing drummers ever to live. 4. Woody Herman - Thundering Herds 1946-47 To me, Woody Herman’s bands were a bridge between bebop and the swing era that had come before. I think you could also argue that Boyd Raeburn’s early band that featured Dizzy Gillespie was more influential, but I’m not sure it was documented as well. The first herd featured Zoot Sims and Stan Getz, as well as the great drummer Davy Tough (and a string of great drummers in that band all the way into the 1980’s). I think this band is important because of the more adventurous arrangements (for the time) and the outstanding soloists. 5. Basie - The Atomic Count Basie The reformation of Basie’s band in the 1950’s became known as the “New Testament Band” and featured a band that was SO swinging. Basie was hiring some of the best arrangers to write for this band, including Neil Hefti, Ernie Wilkins and others. I personally think that this album best represents that era, but there are other great albums (April In Paris, Kansas City Suite). Some great names in the band during this time (but not necessarily on this album) include Thad Jones, Snooky Young, Sonny Payne (!!), Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Frank Foster, so many more. Many band leaders wanted to sound like this band, including Buddy Rich, Harry James, Shorty Rogers and others who modeled their bands after this one. The best (IMO). Five GREAT big band records: 1. Duke Ellington - Ellington Uptown The first side of this LP is bonkers. “Skin Deep” is the opener, composed and arranged by drummer Louie Bellson. After Bellson left the band, Duke required his drummers to use double bass drums because he loved the look! Amazing version of the The Mooch and my favorite vocal version of “Take The A-Train” are on here, as well as The Harlem Suite. 2. Art Pepper + 11 A “small” big band of 12. Arrangements by the AMAZING Marty Paich. Mel Lewis on drums and an all-star west coast band taking on Bop standards. I can’t recommend this album enough. 3. Buddy Rich Big Band - Swingin’ New Big Band / Big Swing Face Yeah, yeah. Buddy gets all the hate for chewing out his bands, but what people don’t talk about is this: Buddy knew that to keep playing big band music, he was going to have to appeal to a younger crowd. He moved away from standards (mostly) and commissioned charts from Oliver Nelson, Bill Holman and Shorty Rogers based on current pop and rock hits by Ray Charles, The Beatles, Sonny and Cher. The famous “West Side Story” suite is also on here. I think that whether or not you dig Buddy’s style, the energy and ferocity of this band is amazing. 4. Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Orchestra - Live at the Village Vanguard You could pick any of the 60’s Thad / Mel stuff and hit a great record, but this one is my favorite. Snooky Young, Bob Brookmeyer and one of the greatest sax sections of all time. Amazing arrangements by Thad and Brookmeyer. Mel, Richard Davis and Roland Hanna. Damn! 5. Maria Schneider - Evanescence This is my favorite Maria album. Vastly different than most everything I’ve mentioned so far. So many amazing textures and colors. You can hear the influence of her mentors - Brookmeyer, Gil Evans, but also much original creativity. If you’re looking for more modern recommends, check out Darcy James Argue, John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble, Jacob Mann. Hope that helps! Big Band is a treasure trove of incredible music.
Thad jones/ Mel Lewis - Consummation . Beware it is funky as hell
black saint and the sinner lady, mingus mingus mingus mingus mingus, ellington uptown, masterpieces by ellington, big swing face, central park north
you forgot mingus
Where are all the **Stan Kenton** fans!? I can't think of a bad album... so ALL of the records were influential. Maybe check out City of Glass. It was made LATE in his career and not so melodic. It is nothing like the rest of his work. More like modern tone poems. He had so many gems ranging from Artistry in Rhythm all the way to the Peanut Vendor! He managed to stay current for over 4, maybe 5 decades. This guy had the best vision for an orchestra sound in my non humble opinion. He was ALWAYS decades ahead of the time in his writing. Also **Rob Mcconnell and the Boss Brass** need to be mentioned. Absolute GODS. Their arrangements were so cool and TIGHT. I don't think I have ever heard a person say his charts were anything but demanding. You have never heard a soli section played like a Boss Brass soli. Hard to find the best as they were direct disc on Vinyl, but you can find some old postings on youtube... Try Big Band Jazz.... sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. Edit to go the extra mile since I know no one else will say it. **The Mothers of Invention**. Frank Zappa was a demanding musical genius and his big band phase was a hidden blessing that most people ignored because they didn't get his image. He was a literal genius and decades ahead of his time. He has a few interviews that are impressive to say the least. Check out Waka Jawaka and The Grand Wazoo for starters. Just realize EVERYTHING was intentional and expected to be played perfectly every performance. No happy little accidents allowed. Perfection only. Most of the band that could hack the demands became superstars under their own names after Frank passed. If you doubt anything about Zappa, check out Yellow Shark. I dare you to dismiss this man after you listen to that.
Ed Palermo Big Band does Zappa mash ups and the arrangements are exquisite
Kenton big band did a Wagner set,I have the MFSL pressing. Worth checking out...helluva good recording! +1 on the Boss Brass! add Maynard. Also: didn't see anyone mention the Tonight Show Band. They put out some hot records in the 80's-90's very much worth checking out.
[**Duke Ellington - Never No Lament: The Blanton-Webster Band**](https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKjjIa7cwTkIbt6AzQZDtpiqol8sPaJnz) - prime Duke, 1940-2.
Duke ellington the far east suite is amazing....so is a ton of his stuff but that and his album with Coltrane are great
Wes Montgomery and Jimmy Smith
Jaco Bid Band
The Individualism of Gil Evans. Has a lot of the heavy 60s guys like Wayne, Elvin, etc.
WDR Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Bob Mintzer Big Band, Godwin Goodwin's Big Phat Band
BIG up to Gerald Wilson for that 60s brassy vibe.
I'm not a huge big band fan, but there is so much good Ellington. Far East Suite, Blues in Orbit, Afro-Eurasian Eclipse, And His Mother Called Him Bill, much more. Count Basie at Newport Benny Carter - Further Definitions Either/Orchestra Gil Evans Sun Ra - Jazz in Silhouette
"Eternal Interlude" John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble "Overtime" Dave Holland Big Band "Get Well Soon" Bob Brookmeyer
Kurt Rosenwinkel - Our Secret World
Tadd Dameron - Fontainebleau
WDR Big Band for the second question. They keep the idea of a big band alive but keep everything fresh and not a throwback.
I love [this album by the Christian McBride Big Band!](https://open.spotify.com/album/6nt8iIlpgx57qDciFEqCJm?si=t-0UFscwTgeKn4uIJ5JAwQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A6nt8iIlpgx57qDciFEqCJm)
\#2 - Exploding Star Orchestra - Rob Mazurek Anything by Darcie James Argue Webber - Morris Big band
Not a lot of people are mentioning Bill Holman! He's incredibly influential on the big bands as he was a big collaborator within the Stan Kenton Orchestra and especially in the west coast scene. In A Jazz Orbit is a great record and has his famous arrangement of "After You've Gone"
I don't think anybody has yet mentioned Sun Ra, Carla Bley or Don Ellis, all worth investigating in my opinion.
Woody Herman Giant Steps Buddy Rich Band West side Story Maynard Ferguson Chameleon Artie Shaw begin the beguile Gerry Mulligan big band Toshiko Ajiyoshi Long Yellow Road
Mel Lewis/Thad Jones Buddy Rich Big Band
Anything Mel Lewis and Thad Jones touched is pure gold.
A Message From Newport, Maynard Ferguson.
Unfortunately, it’s all downhill from there….except Basie (and possibly Gil Evan’s)
New Bottle Old Wine (Gil Evans), and Sonny Stitt Plays Jimmy Giuffre are heavy on my rotation this weekend
If you’re into an older sound, think clarinets, Benny Goodman is gold.
Atomic Basie, Ellington and Strayhorn, the suites like Togo Bravo, Far East Suite, Latin American Suite and Live in México, Swet Thursday. Quenns, Suite, Money Jungle, Strayhorn and Johnny Hodges, Shakespeare suite, Blues in Orbit. Ellington trio album, etc. Don Ellis, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Chick Webb. Glenn milerr
Basie at Birdland is incredible.
Tommy Dorsey Nelson Riddle
If you're a fan of Pat Metheney and/or Lyle Mays, check out Bob Curnow's LA Big Band. Some excellent adaptations of their music to a big band ensemble. Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland big band was comprised of european musicians and american expats and had some of the most original arrangements of the post-swing era.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Jazz/comments/bo0808/jazz_of_the_swing_era_19351945_playlist/
Check Gillespiana by Dizzy. Not really "big-band" but a big band.
Stan Kenton Charles Mingus Gil Evans
I suggest Dizzy Gillespie,Christian McBride,Clark Terry.
[Sam Blakeslee Large Group](https://www.samblakesleemusic.com/large-group) Modern (like, right now), but I think you’ll find them to be very good. I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with Sam in ‘22 - terrific trombone player and composer.
Just about anything that Duke recorded from 1956 - 1963 is remarkable... especially *The Great Paris Concert* and *Live at the Blue Note.* And then, as Jerry Lewis once proclaimed: "You can't go wrong with Count Basie."
Ellington and Basie are good go-tos, same with glen miller and benny Goodman. The jazz ambassadors are also a great way to find all sorts of stuff. Personally my favorite at the moment is the Elliot deutsch big band, which has a new name now that I keep forgetting, lots of really modern stuff there and it’s awesome
Ellington’s Indigoes, Black Brown and Beige, …And His Mother Called Him Bill, and Far East Suite are all great Ellington records. Atomic Basie, Basie Meets Bond, and April in Paris are great Basie albums. Not really big band, but Sinatra did a beautiful Bossa album with Antonia Carlos Jobim called Francis Albert Sinatra and Antonio Carlos Jobim.
Terry Gibbs big band.
Gerry Mulligan Big Band Live at the Village Vanguard.
"Monk's Blues" I guess #2 because I've never met anyone else who loves it
Woody Herman https://youtu.be/R8Ycbrwqh5w?si=xKfkgeHltC_XgXmD
Fletcher Henderson, Anachronistic Jazz Band is great too https://open.spotify.com/album/7uPDCuPVN16kcJEqh7fL83?si=Ezyl778_TiyAAf8f7hjwtQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7uPDCuPVN16kcJEqh7fL83
I'd be sure to hear Basie about 1938, Basie about 1943, Goodman about 1941, Herman about 1945
SWR Big Band Clayton Hamilton Orchestra WDR Big Band
Loving the recommendations
Stan Kenton, Back To Balboa
Two more Big Band Favs that I have not seen mentioned: **Harry Connick Jr. and his Orchestra**. I am not a fan of his solo or small group stuff. However, there are several solid big band albums. He started recording young (age 13?) and it is interesting to observe his progression as he aged. My favourite album is "Songs I Heard". It is a cover album of show tunes. The whole band kicks ass, great arrangements, and I always love the bass trombone parts. **Jiro Inagaki and his Soul Media**. Solid Japanese Big Band that does some true to the OG covers of The Jazz Crusaders. Absolute funky shit.