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Big Jazz Band Music with Great Sound

I don’t listen to much jazz but I was at a concert over the weekend that had some new pieces in the style of big band/swing music.  The recordings that I do own from that era were made on 78s or mono LPs and while I have nothing against older technology, and since this is an audiophile site, I was wondering if someone could recommend some albums in more up to date sound (stereo will do) for me to explore 

mahler123

Showing 1 response by larryi

larryi
4,188 posts
 

I don't know if its is good news or bad news, but, many older recordings remain among the best sounding recordings ever.  For big band, try listening to Duke Ellington's "Blues in Orbit."  This was recorded in 1959, in stereo, and remains one of the best sounding recordings.  When Sony launched SACD's it was one of their first such issue because of its sound.  I have the SACD and the original 6-eye Columbia vinyl issue; the vinyl original sounds the best.

Another really good sounding big band recording is a direct-to-disc recording on M&K Records by the Bill Berry Allstars called "For Duke."  these Ellington covers are terrific sounding.

I also like an album called "Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Big Band" which is a 1968 recording from a live concert in Berlin.  I don't have an MPS original, but, I have a very nice sounding reissue that Linn Records (the audio company) put out.

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