Jazz Big Band Recommendations?

Nighthawk,

Although hardly unknown, I have to put my 2-cents in for The Buddy Rich Big Band (its many permutations of personel, notwithstanding). They left us with a wealth of material that is seeing daylight on CDs.

I could type away with the many titles but I recommend, if you haven't heard it already, "The Best Of Buddy Rich - The Pacific Years" (CDP72438 5 7568-2 5).

Among all the great tracks, track 8 has the "Channel 1 Suite" a tour-de-force of playing with perhaps the most virtuosic tenor sax solo by Don Menza, in the 2nd movement. This track, I believe, was originally from the album "Buddy Rich At Cesar's Palace"

The Thad Jones and Mel Lewis and Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin are also among my favorites. Although, the raw energy and supernatural drumming of Buddy Rich always leave me speechless (even though, ok, I'll say it, Mr. Rich does tend to hog the action sometimes.) But man, what a hog!

Nighthawk,

Happy to know you appreciate Rich. He wasn't only a great drummer he had an uncanny ability to choose personel that emulated his "full-steam-ahead" style. I have found that many big bands have great soloists but not that succesful ensemble work. Of course, the ultimate "ensemble" guy was Stan Kenton and his many bands. All the greats that later went on to front their own bands and groups played for Kenton. He, like Rich, also handpicked the excellent composers and arrangers that wrote for them.

If Kenton has not been in your collection, please give him a listen. The "Cuban Fire" and "Adventures in Jazz" albums were ground-breaking events in music.

Best wishes.

N'Hawk,

Two more tips for you if you are interested in the new directions big band music is taking.

The UMO Jazz Orchestra (Naxos Jazz 86010-2)
Tolvan Big Band (Naxos Jazz 86025-2)

The first, a Finnish group. The second, from Denmark. Both polinated from American models and influences but absolutely worth-listening for excellent performances and compositions/arrangements.

Regards.