Big Band Top Choices?

Posted by: naimtheday on 04 February 2006

Can anyone recommend some top recordings which capture the best of the best? This is a style of music I am missing from my collection so some shoice suggestions would be much appreciated.

Posted on: 07 February 2006 by woodface

Hi, best to start with Duke Ellington, he is the absolute master! I would go for: Such Sweet Thunder, And his mother called him Bill, Live at Newport and Masterpieces. There are many compliations, the centenial collection is probably a good place to start.

Posted on: 07 February 2006 by kuma

He's right up there with the Duke.

Posted on: 07 February 2006 by Geoff P

Did'nt you read the replies to your other thread which asks the same question

regards
Geoff

Posted on: 09 February 2006 by woodface

I am sorry but to put Cab Calloway even in the same universe as the Duke is just plain silly!

Posted on: 09 February 2006 by Wolf

My dad spent his youth dancing to swing bands as they traveled thru Connecticut in the late 30's and early 40s. I envy him, that was a really great period to be a teen, tho not heading into war. Love the music of that period but I don't really own any. I do watch old movies and it's great when they swing.

I'd look into Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Nat King Cole.

Posted on: 12 February 2006 by Kevin-W

Duke Ellington's Orchestra definitely.
In addition to the titles recommended, I'd add:
Ellington Uptown
Jazz Party!
Far East Suite
and the mighty Blues In Orbit

You can't beat Count Basie either, second only to the Duke - try Atomic Basie for starters, or the album that he made with Duke's Orchestra, Together.

An interesting take on the big band concept was created by Gil Evans in his arrangements for Miles Davis, and the trio of LPs that resulted:
Miles Ahead
Sketches of Spain
Porgy & Bess

K