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Post by Admin on Jan 7, 2014 14:21:34 GMT -5
Tom started this thread, but for some reason it was deleted. Good Thread My personal favorite - Artie Shaw  |
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Post by tom1960 on Jan 7, 2014 19:25:56 GMT -5
Jim, I'm responsible for deleting my own thread. It didn't seem anyone was too interested in contributing there thoughts. Since you've revived it, I'll add some thoughts and see where things head? Some of my favorites:
Duke Ellington
Count Basie
Gerry Mulligan Concert Band
Gerald Wilson Orchestra
Bill Holman - I'm coming to find he has done some excellent large ensemble work!
John Fedchock Big Band - I realize many folks here may not be familiar with his work. Check out his Reservoir Records releases!
Oliver Nelson
Woody Herman
Stan Kenton
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Post by johnt on Jan 7, 2014 19:56:04 GMT -5
Well, I'll add a personal favorite of mine - the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band which then became the Mel Lewis Orchestra and now the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. I enjoy all three but honestly think the TJ-ML band was still the best. PS. Tom - I haven't forgotten, just slow. This cold weather, you know...  |
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Post by tom1960 on Jan 7, 2014 21:18:50 GMT -5
Thanks for the reminder on Thad Jones - Mel Lewis, John. Let me also add:
Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band - The Mosaic Select is great stuff.
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Post by billf on Jan 8, 2014 3:31:53 GMT -5
Not a regular outfit, but Shorty Rogers assembled some of the greatest big bands ever in the L A studios in the 50s. These are two of my all-time favorite big band albums (available in various other packagings):   |
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Post by billf on Jan 8, 2014 3:39:24 GMT -5
Certainly deserving of mention too are the various big bands led by Gil Evans. With these he moved big band jazz on, while still remaining within the tradition IMO. In 1978 I saw the band that made this album:  |
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Post by Admin on Jan 9, 2014 9:25:57 GMT -5
No mention yet of Earl "Fatha" Hines  His 1943 band was comprised of musical misfits and renegades who would go on to lead jazz's greatest revolution and overthrow the old guard. These musicians in the Hines band included Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Gene Ammons, Wardell Gray, Bennie Green, Benny Harris, and Shadow Wilson. |
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Post by Admin on Jan 9, 2014 9:53:19 GMT -5
Sammy Kaye
Recorded on this date 1941
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Post by johnt on Jan 9, 2014 14:28:54 GMT -5
There's been a few negative comments about this one elsewhere, but I don't find much wrong with it. In fact, I've really been enjoying it. Well worth checking out, I think.
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Post by Admin on Jan 10, 2014 20:22:38 GMT -5
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Post by Admin on Jan 10, 2014 20:30:10 GMT -5
Glenn Miller.
I know many may not consider Glenn Miller to be true Jazz, but in the realm of the Big Bands, Miller is legendary. Some of it may be related to his "hero" status during WWII, but for me many of his arrangements are truly legendary.
That brings me to note that in the case of the Big Bands and Orchestras, much of the credit must go to the composers and arrangers. The leader has the responsibility of keeping the groups "tight" and can develop the emotional crecendos, but the arranger has done the work to create the scores and put the emphasis on the section that will play those notes!
(From wiki)
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Post by Admin on Jan 11, 2014 2:59:05 GMT -5
By the way, how does everyone feel about Lawrence Welk. As much as I hate to admit it, his television show in the US was instrumental in bringing big band music to the masses.
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