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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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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.
montytx
138 posts
 
Henry Mancini and John Williams immediately come to mind. Especially if you like movie scores.

Mancini's Silver Streak would be something to sample on youtube just to see if you like that sort of thing.
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
There's an old Buddy Rich album with "Birdland" on it--I think it's direct-to-disc. If I find it among my LP's I'll list the title for you. Or perhaps another member can help us out with this.
maxnewid
449 posts
 
Some great suggestions here. I can second a recommendation for Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band and Marty has some interesting ideas.

One group that you might enjoy is Roomful of Blues. While not a traditional big band, their horn section drives great orchestration for the west coast jump blues genre. My favorites are the albums with Sugar Ray Norcia as lead singer: "Dance all Night", Turn It On, Turn It Up", and "Under One Roof". If you like this style, Sugar Ray Norcia's solo albums are worth checking out- particularly the last two or three releases.
chayro
2,996 posts
 
"Hard Bob"? I think you're confusing the jazz term with the name of an actor in one of your DVDs.
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