If you want to hear some of the most adventurous and dynamic big-band music recorded in the past 20 years, you need to pick up a few of the CD's on the Black Saint / Soul Note label done in the 1980's by the David Murray Octet and band. Amazing stuff. Carla Bley also did some great stuff during the past 15 years or so. If you have not listened to the various recordings by Sun Ra's Arkestra, this is a good time to do so, since a number of his hard-to-find recordings have recently been re-mastered and released again. Last, check out the Charles Mingus Big Band, which has been doing some very tasty, challenging work.
Jazz- Modern big band
Was going to post at Jazz Recommendations but thought better make a new thread... Any suggestions for good contemporary (let's say last 20 or so years) big band material? Economics make this an increasingly rare format, but there must be some good stuff out there. I read about Maria Schneider in the Dec. Sterophile; maybe I should try her. I have and enjoy Gil Evans sessions at Sweet Basil. I suppose Thad Jones and Mel Lewis still have their orchestra going. I used to really dig the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin big band; Akiyoshi must still be doing her thing. I haven't been paying attention for a while and don't have anything in big band, besides the Evans, from the 80's or 90's. What should I be aware of?