AudioCircle
Music and Media => The Jazz Circle => Topic started by: Bob2 on 20 May 2014, 12:18 am
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Anyone here besides myself enjoy big band-swing music?
Probably not some of the younger members but some of us older members might enjoy it!!
Currently listening to:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=99628)
St Louis Blues, sing, sing, sing!!
"Some real magic goin on here"
Tightest horn section you will ever hear!
I grew up hearing this. My parents always had some 78's spinning and have enjoyed this for ever or so it seems!
Never been much for compilation albums but this has some great versions of the songs such as the ones mentioned above! Have not hear this arrangement of sing, sing, sing..
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Absolutely!! Just one of the modes in the evolution of jazz music. Swing was likely the pinnacle of jazz in terms of audience, popularity and record sales. Jazz for dancing and everyone did! A very long lived era well worth exploring!
Cheers,
Geary
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Very much so, I have quite a few records and CD's with Big Band & Swing.
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My favorite is the Count Basie Orchestra "Second Testament" band.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_Basie_Orchestra#The_.27Second_Testament.27
Some of the very late 50's albums sounds surprisingly good. I'm not to crazy about the post Sonny Payne drummers.
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I grew up when a mature Frank Sinatra was popular. He was OK but of course I was into 50's and 60's Rock 'n Roll. But then I got some CD's of Frank when he was with Tommy Dorsey. What a difference. Not necessarily great recordings but he was so smooth and great with those old songs. I love that old stuff, the kind of music my mother liked.
Gene
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Thanks much for the replies everyone!
Always thought I was the odd man out because most people do not know or care about this music.
Nearly all of my big band music is on cd. I have started picking up vinyl when I can. Some of the recordings are very good others not so much.
Would love to hear recommendations if anyone cares to chime in!
Thanks, Bob2
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The Duke and the Count still sound fresh to my ears. The others of that era, not so much.
Doc
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Me too! My parents had 78's and I played in the band through high school, so got exposed to lots of ensemble typ music, including Big Band. The new Swing era of a few years ago was a hoot, epitomized by Big, Bad Voodoo Daddy. I recommend the movie "Swing" - I think it was Jonathan Winters' last movie. The best swing dancers in So Cal were used to stage reinactiments of a big dance hall/club from the big band era. You can't go wrong with any of the Big Bands. Don't miss Stan Kenton - he was quite progressive. I play clarinet in the Austin Symphonic Band, the Polkadillos and the Dixieland Accidentals - our sax player also plays in The Republic of Texas Big Band.
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Doc,
I agree!
Hank,
thanks for the response, I agree after seeing BBVDD locally a couple of years ago. Freakin awesome!
Sounds like you are having some fun! As a former drummer I can fully realize how much fun it is to play with a group!!
So Cool!
Thanks again everyone!
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Ellington and Basie are must-haves, of course.
Although there wasn't as much of this in the modern era for a variety of reasons, there are a few examples such as the Toshiko Akiyoshi-Lew Tabackin Big Band (track one on Tales of a Courtesan, "Road Time Shuffle", made me a lifelong fan in ten seconds), The Thad Jones- Mel Lewis Orchestra, Bob Florence. All of these are worth looking into as well.
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If you can get past Stan's piano playing, Stan Kenton's Big Bands were incredible. Amazing brass section.
Maynard Ferguson's works in the 70's are also amazing. A bit "in your face" but some great musicians there as well.
Count Basie and Duke Ellington's bands were also incredible.
Lately, I've been on a Frank Sinatra kick. I'm slowly working on getting all I can from the early 50's through the "Sinatra and Company" album from '71. Sinatra mostly used Nelson Riddle, but also used Billy May as an arranger and conductor along with several others.
HsvHeelFan
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A few more elephants in the room yet to be mentioned, Glenn Miller, Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey. All head of the class in their day. Nope Bob, you are obviously not alone in appreciation & enjoyment of Big Band/Swing. So much great music, enjoy. 8)
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Lately, I've been on a Frank Sinatra kick. I'm slowly working on getting all I can from the early 50's through the "Sinatra and Company" album from '71. Sinatra mostly used Nelson Riddle, but also used Billy May as an arranger and conductor along with several others.
Billy May is probably my favorite arranger.
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I'm also a HUGE Russell Garcia fan. Swingin' Brass with the Oscar Peterson Trio isn't technically big band, but they sure kick it. Mr. Garcia also did the arrangements for the Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong Porgy and Bess album (which is one of my favorites).
HsvHeelFan
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Some great suggestions here!
I do have a decent collection of most all that have been suggested but keep'em coming! Have to locate some Russell Garcia, new to me!
Anyone have some suggestions for Johnny Mercer or Hoagy Carmichael recordings?
Glad that some mentioned the folks that have done the arrangements for many of those tunes.
Arrangements vary widely in this type of music and can give a very different feel.
Any favorite instrumentalists?
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Love me some Big Band! Always cool to see it mentioned anywhere. I think the OP was specifically asking about the Swing era though. It should be understood that there are many different 'era's and styles when it comes to Big Bands. While most BB's swing like mofo's, that's different from 'Swing' era Big Bands. In a nutshell, there's a HUGE gap between Dorsey/Miller/Goodman and the Akiyoshi/Tabakin Big Bands! As far as ring-a-ding swingin' Frank Sinatra and Big Bands, his 'Live At The Sands' (Vegas) with the Count Basie Orchestra is the summit of the mountaintop!;) Frank's voice at it's prime, the Basie band at it's prime, arrangements by Quincy Jones, Vegas, can't recommend it highly enough!
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Does Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band count? Or are they too new?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordon_Goodwin%27s_Big_Phat_Band
I'll have to look into some of the other suggestions here, too.
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My intent in raising the question was not to draw specific lines as to what constitutes "Big Band". I mentioned BBVD that have been around awhile but fit my vision of Big Band/swing. Swing music to me has always been dance band, horn section and great arrangements but let's explore what is out there.. Some incredible music I'm sure!
"Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band"? Just listened to a youtube recording of the band.. I would include them!
The Dave Slonaker Big Band seems a bit contemporary but can't deny how well they perform together.. I would say they are more or less modern jazz while admitting that I don't know much about jazz.
I have to say that I did have a great jazz experience while in Chicago for AXPONA. I stayed in a hotel just down the road and the connected restaurant had a jazz trio doing their thing. After a couple of Manhattan's I was really liking what they were putting down.
ctviggen, thanks for putting that out there! Keep it up, I'm learnin!!!
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A contemporary big band I enjoy is the Maria Schneider Orchestra. They play a number of different styles, be it jazz, classical or swing influenced.
A side note regarding the interest of younger members, is that the high school in our city has 3 levels of jazz bands that have played pieces by many of the artists mentioned. These bands are extracurricular activities that the students commit to and get to school twice a week by 6:30am to participate. Their concerts are some of the most enjoyable and satisfying musical activities I've ever attended. :thumb:
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Billy May is probably my favorite arranger.
Wasn't that the cokehead who used to holler on those infomercials?
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Wasn't that the cokehead who used to holler on those infomercials?
Nope. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_May
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My favorite is the Count Basie Orchestra "Second Testament" band.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_Basie_Orchestra#The_.27Second_Testament.27
Some of the very late 50's albums sounds surprisingly good. I'm not to crazy about the post Sonny Payne drummers.
My favorite and ''best'' Sonny Payne is ''Count on the coast''
(http://marcmyers.typepad.com/.a/6a00e008dca1f0883401a3fbe8e34a970b-500wi)
Unfortunately, the Phontastic Crescendo recordings are hard to come by digitally. The sound is great, and the live swinging tracks demonstrate why the band was such a club attraction. Best of all, the band probably didn't know it was being recorded, allowing for a relaxed, powerful delivery.
Jazzwax
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Been doing some research and ran across this...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=100978)
Ordered this and will let you know how it is..
Anyone know much about Marion Hutton? Have read what is on the interweb but can't say that I have heard her voice.
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Been doing some research and ran across this...
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=100978)
Ordered this and will let you know how it is..
Anyone know much about Marion Hutton? Have read what is on the interweb but can't say that I have heard her voice.
Just watch it then -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQqz-NMMIxQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQqz-NMMIxQ)
It's been a long, long time since I saw it.
Sun Valley Serenade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ryR4oZO4p8
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I'm not much on new jazz/big band music but I think this is a real good one.
Dean Martin (Duets) - Forever Cool (http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Cool-Dean-Martin/dp/B000RHRGOO/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1403138751&sr=1-1&keywords=dean+martin+forever+cool)
It's mainly Big Bad Voodoo Daddy with Dean's vocals dueting with contemporary singers. (There's a few misses like the Joss Stone duet.) Sometimes you can really hear the quality difference with the modern recording and an old DM tape. But it's a fun, upbeat album.
I guess while I'm talking about big band vocals. I'll list a few favorites
Ella Sings Gershwin (though there are number of songs with strings)
Nat King Cole - Billy May Sessions
Live at the Sands (fairly short)
Big Band Cole
Joe Williams - Jump For Joy (pretty short about 33 minutes)
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Oh yea.....
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=101140)
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CD arrived yesterday.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=101143)
Sat down for a listen and found some old favorites on this...... but different arrangements. I'm always surprised by how many different ways these songs can be changed and end up sounding great..
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Anyone here besides myself enjoy big band-swing music?
Probably not some of the younger members but some of us older members might enjoy it!!
Currently listening to:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=99628)
St Louis Blues, sing, sing, sing!!
"Some real magic goin on here"
Tightest horn section you will ever hear!
I grew up hearing this. My parents always had some 78's spinning and have enjoyed this for ever or so it seems!
Bob2 just had to pick up this thread as I am also one of the more mature big band/swing affectionados. I have just recently gotten back into vinyl and did so to get and play my fav's from classical and big swing bands. My favorite big band is Glenn Miller I now have both of the special limited edition box sets in the binders plus the Army band set hours of just great swing listening. I also got very lucky and picked up off fleebay all three albums 56 original release of the Benny Goodman's 1938 Carnagie Hall concert these are NM+ LP's and the music coming out of those records is just amazing you even hear some back ground noises, my kit puts you at the stage or sometimes even on it just wow. Any of you folks that like excellent swing you have to get these. Sing Sing Sing is fabulous you can really hear Krupa at his best. :thumb:
OK nuff ranting. :duh:
Never been much for compilation albums but this has some great versions of the songs such as the ones mentioned above! Have not hear this arrangement of sing, sing, sing..
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Only if heard through the vision of Le Sun Ra....
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/511/MI0001511253.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
Sun Ra and his Intergalaxtic Arkestra's Second Star to the Right: Salute to Walt Disney goes way beyond novelty. Novelties are hardly this entertaining or enduring. Ra got into a Disney phase around 1989 when asked to interpret "Pink Elephants on Parade" from Dumbo for a pop tribute album to Disney called Stay Awake. Ra was so taken with Disney's music and images that he started to play shows dedicated exclusively to the man. When performing this material, the Arkestra went so far as to wear the patented Mouseketeer ears and had a dancer dressed in a Dumbo costume! The chosen compositions run the gamut from the more obscure to themes every kid of all ages could sing along with: "I'm Wishing," "Second Star to the Right," the eerie "The Forest of no Return," and "Someday My Prince Will Come." The titles sound as if Ra could have written them himself. The arrangements are in the same swing manner as his Fletcher Henderson tributes. June Tyson's vocals bring a romantic appeal, while bassoonist and percussionist James Jacson does his best Louis Armstrong impression, leading the sing along on "Zip a Dee Doo Dah." This may not be an essential disc for the Sun Ra novice, but if you wonder what it would have been like hanging out at Sun Ra's commune in Philadelphia watching Dumbo with the rest of the Arkestra (a favorite Ra practice in his later years!), get this immediately. As a footnote, this joyous Leo release is from an audience tape, and while the fidelity is good, audiophiles should be advised that it does have muddy moments.
Review by Al Campbell
http://www.allmusic.com/album/second-star-to-the-right-salute-to-walt-disney-mw0000672706 (http://www.allmusic.com/album/second-star-to-the-right-salute-to-walt-disney-mw0000672706)
Sun Ra and his Intergalaxtic Arkestra:Second Star to the Right: Salute to Walt Disney
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=115772)
Difficult to find albums by any one band...
Would like to find records but my turntable won't spin a 78. If anyone has a line on some 331/3 versions I would appreciate it!
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=115772)
Difficult to find albums by any one band...
Would like to find records but my turntable won't spin a 78. If anyone has a line on some 331/3 versions I would appreciate it!
Bob2 All mine are 331/3 mono got them off e bay there was enough sellers that I could get some that were NM+ they came from a vendor that had aquired a private collection.
There are quite a few sellers with the Glenn Miller Limited Edition volume one and two in the padded numbered binders 5 records each, they cover all the stuff broadcast except the Army Band era and the Carnagie Hall concerts.
There is also a number of Benny Goodman LP's avalable in many different venues. Havent looked for the others yet although I did pick up some Woody Herman.
Jim
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Roll Em
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX8bca6pIaAurl
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Of the newer, more modern groups out there recording today, I would suggest the following
Gordon Goodwins Big Phat Band
Maria Schneider Orchestra
Ed Palermo Big Band
Jaco Pastorius Big Band (still recording after his death)
Dave Holland Big Band
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BobM,
thanks for posting that!
I'll be checking those out this evening with some well aged scotch.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=137499)
A lovely 2 cd set.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=154914)
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Brian Setzer Orchestra.....
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Brian Setzer Orchestra.....
+1!
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The Hot Sardines
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=154965)
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Yes I still enjoy big band music but it's a mood I have to be in. Some of what I like are
Woody Herman
Count Basie
Duke Ellington
Glenn Miller
Harry James
Buddy Rich
As you can tell this is a genre I have really not explored due to expense and most of what I have are greatest hits compilations.
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Going to see Brian Setzer's Christmas show next Friday with my twin 14 year olds, should be a hoot!
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Yes I still enjoy big band music but it's a mood I have to be in. Some of what I like are
Woody Herman
Count Basie
Duke Ellington
Glenn Miller
Harry James
Buddy Rich
As you can tell this is a genre I have really not explored due to expense and most of what I have are greatest hits compilations.
It's pretty hard to go wrong with any of the Basie albums from 1957 to '63 or Ellington albums from '59 to '63. I'm starting from '59 because of improved sound quality of the original tapes. After '63, Ellington seems to be more musically consistent than Basie.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155163)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155188)
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I also like Tommy Dorsey oldfashioned style:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixq4_c1OHpI
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I also like Tommy Dorsey oldfashioned style:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixq4_c1OHpI
Nice!
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Love big band music! Kenton is my all time favorite. I love the 50s band with Maynard and Rosolino, and the 70s band.
I was fortunate to see a lot of great big bands in 70s and 80s and then play a lot of big band music from junior high through college. Lots of fun!
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Love big band music! Kenton is my all time favorite. I love the 50s band with Maynard and Rosolino, and the 70s band.
I was fortunate to see a lot of great big bands in 70s and 80s and then play a lot of big band music from junior high through college. Lots of fun!
Kenton is also one of my favs.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155209)
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Cootie Williams in Stereo - Cootie Williams on Trumpet and his Orchestra
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0778/3319/products/cootie_williams.jpg?v=1426185111)
Download this in DSD256 and couldn't be happier.
https://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/products/cootie-williams-in-stereo-cootie-williams-on-trumpet-and-his-orchestra (https://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/products/cootie-williams-in-stereo-cootie-williams-on-trumpet-and-his-orchestra)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155459)
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Cootie Williams in Stereo - Cootie Williams on Trumpet and his Orchestra
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0778/3319/products/cootie_williams.jpg?v=1426185111)
Download this in DSD256 and couldn't be happier.
https://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/products/cootie-williams-in-stereo-cootie-williams-on-trumpet-and-his-orchestra (https://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/products/cootie-williams-in-stereo-cootie-williams-on-trumpet-and-his-orchestra)
Wow top grade orchestra especially Caravan, superb remaster also.
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155480)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155549)
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=155970)
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Glen Miller CD In the Digital Mood. Limited Gold Edition. ( Cheap on Amazon used )
Les Brown CD Anything goes.
CD Digital Swing
CD Session #55
Ray Anthony CD Swing back to the 40's
CD Dream Dancing II
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=157507)
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Just finished listening the other night to the complete Count Basie Decca recordings 1937-39.
Samples at http://www.importcds.com/complete-decca-1937-39/011105061124
Over 50 storied tracks from the hardest-swinging big band of all time, the band that launched Lester Young, Harry Edison, Jimmy Rushing, Jo Jones and Buck Clayton. One O'Clock Jump; Jumpin' at the Woodside; Good Morning Blues; Lester Leaps in the prime stuff, documented by a booklet with rare photos and in-depth notes.
Very good sound and many of their classic hits. Jimmy Rushing is great.
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Just finished listening the other night to the complete Count Basie Decca recordings 1937-39.
Samples at http://www.importcds.com/complete-decca-1937-39/011105061124
Very good sound and many of their classic hits. Jimmy Rushing is great.
A bargain for $22 :thumb:
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=160833)
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This is a superb CD recorded in DSD64 by Corcord to firts album for PlayBoy Jazz CD001, the maestro of Sinatra and a bunch of top musician make this a historical CD to soundtrack of doc on Monroe.
Too bad its not released in SACD.
(http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_500/MI0001/683/MI0001683476.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
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I'll have to see if that is available..
Thanks FRM!
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(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=162759)
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In the 70s I had this LP in a very green cover and clean sound, cost me almost nothing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYnQxlGBrj0
(https://img.discogs.com/XYR5n6ivsP4joETQVvtmvgdvetg=/fit-in/595x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-757563-1218409819.jpeg.jpg)
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Anyone here besides myself enjoy big band-swing music?
Probably not some of the younger members but some of us older members might enjoy it!!
Currently listening to:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=99628)
St Louis Blues, sing, sing, sing!!
"Some real magic goin on here"
Tightest horn section you will ever hear!
I grew up hearing this. My parents always had some 78's spinning and have enjoyed this for ever or so it seems!
Never been much for compilation albums but this has some great versions of the songs such as the ones mentioned above! Have not hear this arrangement of sing, sing, sing..
Big band is great in a fully immersive 14.1 audio system. Two speakers just don't do it justice.
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Big band is great in a fully immersive 14.1 audio system. Two speakers just don't do it justice.
This immersive system you talk everywhere dont exist in any real life music performance even most advanced progressive rock bands as Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream, which in the 70s used 30 inches woofers as PA, let alone Opera and Classical music, so I think it just too much audio witchcraft to offer anything good to hi-fi.
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In the 70s I had this LP in a very green cover and clean sound, cost me almost nothing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYnQxlGBrj0
(https://img.discogs.com/XYR5n6ivsP4joETQVvtmvgdvetg=/fit-in/595x600/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-757563-1218409819.jpeg.jpg)
Thanks for sharing the picture and info. I just ordered a copy.
This immersive system you talk everywhere dont exist in any real life music performance even most advanced progressive rock bands as Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream, which in the 70s used 30 inches woofers as PA, let alone Opera and Classical music, so I think it just too much audio witchcraft to offer anything good to hi-fi.
+1
Thanks FRM!
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This immersive system you talk everywhere dont exist in any real life music performance even most advanced progressive rock bands as Pink Floyd and Tangerine Dream, which in the 70s used 30 inches woofers as PA, let alone Opera and Classical music, so I think it just too much audio witchcraft to offer anything good to hi-fi.
Funny you should mention Pink Floyd. You are clueless and not even my witchcraft can help solve your dilemma. Watch this and learn something new for a change:
https://youtu.be/yMlFN8V4qW4
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Funny you should mention Pink Floyd. You are clueless and not even my witchcraft can help solve your dilemma. Watch this and learn something new for a change:
https://youtu.be/yMlFN8V4qW4
I already see this video in your first thread about the subject, they are remixing the Floyd songs now, the band never used this system on stage or studio.
This system is the wave of the moment, next year will came another system, more channels, more subs, a new spur of some kind and this will be obsolete as 5.1, 7.1 etc
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I already see this video in your first thread about the subject, they are remixing the Floyd songs now, the band never used this system on stage or studio.
This system is the wave of the moment, next year will came another system, more channels, more subs, a new spur of some kind and this will be obsolete as 5.1, 7.1 etc
Like I said, even powerful witchdoctor magic cannot help you. You don't know, never heard, or can't even imagine this system while I listen to it daily. All music (yes even big bands) can be upmixed into immersive audio. Here is description of a demo. Until you EXPERIENCE it yourself every word you write is another demonstration of your futility (jealousy?), please stop:
http://www.avsforum.com/auro-3d-music-upmix-demo-stormaudio-isp-3d-16-elite-prepro-ces-2017/
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Like I said, even powerful witchdoctor magic cannot help you. You don't know, never heard, or can't even imagine this system while I listen to it daily. All music (yes even big bands) can be upmixed into immersive audio. Here is description of a demo. Until you EXPERIENCE it yourself every word you write is another demonstration of your futility (jealousy?), please stop:
http://www.avsforum.com/auro-3d-music-upmix-demo-stormaudio-isp-3d-16-elite-prepro-ces-2017/
OK Witchcraft you are a troll posting merchandising in various circles without offering palpable exposition on this enthusiastic obscure system only you own and understand.
Do you would address any real tech issues on this 14.1 system?
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OK Witchcraft you are a troll posting merchandising in various circles without offering palpable exposition on this enthusiastic obscure system only you own and understand.
Do you would address any real tech issues on this 14.1 system?
You are beyond me help, please use google and look up Atmos, DTS-X, Auro 3D and Ambeo.
Out of here :duh:
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I just picked up a great Big Band CD.
AIRMEN OF NOTE " LETS DANCE "
Great arrangements and GREAT sound.