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Need some recommendations - hard driving big band

Hi...Been trying to get into jazz... seems the only thing that works for me is "hard bob." I'm just starting to realize that I might prefer the big band stuff! I always thought Big Band was old fogey music...but lately it seems to me to have more fire and energy than the jazz I've been listening to. Maybe this is what I've been missing?

What I'm looking for: The best I can describe is that (like everyone) I love Duke's (fake or real) Diminuendo in Blue.... Give me a few albums of that type of stuff and I'll never leave the house!

I'm thinking Count Basie? But I I have no idea where to start.

Again, I want it hard driving/rocking or the slow building to a boil stuff..not melodic noodling.

Does this even make sense?
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bdgregory
1,714 posts
 
Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabakin Big Band is worth checking out. "Road Time" is awesome/live record.
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,011 posts
 
Dave Gruisin, Buddy Rich.
cymbop
315 posts
 
Duke Ellington All-Stars album called For Duke. One of the best intersections of sonics and performance that I have ever heard.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
If you're coming from a rock perspective, you might check out Cab Calloway who influenced a lot of the 70s dance bands.

If you want to stay more mainstream, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, and Count Basie are also good choices IMO.

You might also try to work backwards thru pop or rock big bands, like Squirrel Nut Zippers, Joe Jackson's Jumping Jive, or any of the Z records bands (Kid Creole, Dr Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, or Elbow Bones and the Racketeers, for example). The Z records guys are all hybrid jazz/dance/disco bands that were Cab Calloway inspired, so the transition there feels really straightforward.
pgawan2b
122 posts
 
Ray Sings, Basie Swings; and Diane Schuur and the Count Basie Orchestra are two of my favorite CDs.

Really, everyone's suggestions above are good. I happen to be a particular fan of Grusin and Goodwin.

Harry Connick Jr. can swing with the best of them.

I encourage you to check out your local big band scene. IMO, a live show is the best experience for a big band. Also, my guess is that you will discover some fantastic musicians, and you will learn a little more about the styles you prefer and those you don't.
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