Music of a wonderful world

The appeal of large ensembles! Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of big bands

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

As the name suggests, a big band is a band made up of a large ensemble.

While swing jazz from before the modern jazz era is especially well-known, big bands are also a popular format in pop music.

Many will remember that in Showa-era music programs, dedicated big bands performed as backing ensembles for singers.

This time, we’ve gathered a selection of masterpieces born from big band performances.

Many of these pieces are used in commercials and film scores, making this a collection that even beginners can enjoy!

The Appeal of Large Ensembles! Recommended and Popular Big Band Masterpieces (61–70)

Jump, Jive and WailLouis Prima

Louis Prima Jump Jive An’ Wail

Jump, Jive and WailLouis Prima

A song by Louis Prima, a singer and trumpeter who was popular in nightclubs during the 1930s and 1940s.

The version covered by the American band The Brian Setzer Orchestra in 1998 was used in a GAP commercial.

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Chug de saudadeSap Big Band

Uni Big Band Augsburg – No more Blues / Chega de saudade

Chug de saudadeSap Big Band

Chega de saudade is a track included on the jazz album “No More Blues,” released in 2009 by Personality Records, featuring a Latin jazz/big band style.

Sap Big Band is a big band from Mannheim, Germany, that began its activities in 1996.

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Bumblebee MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

Bumblebee Mambo — Pérez Prado Orchestra

Bumblebee MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

Born from the classic masterpiece The Tale of Tsar Saltan, this work is a tour de force included on the 1957 album King Prado in Stereo.

Its arrangement, which fuses the elegance of classical melodies with Latin rhythms, greatly expanded the concept of mambo.

The majestic soundscape created by the powerful brass section and Ollie Mitchell’s trumpet performance vividly attests to Prado’s musical genius.

Prado, a native of Cuba, showcased his inventive arranging on TBS Television’s 1963 program Titans of Music, captivating viewers.

It’s a perfect track for a dance hall party or whenever you need an energy boost.

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Mambo NegroPeresu Puraado gakudan

Mambo Negro Perez Prado

Mambo NegroPeresu Puraado gakudan

A powerful piece that brilliantly fuses traditional Cuban rhythms with American big band jazz.

The Pérez Prado Orchestra’s brass section delivers a dazzling melody, while the passionate percussion creates a dynamic, vibrant sound that leaves a lasting impression.

This track is included on the album “COLEZO! Pérez Prado Orchestra,” which compiles recordings from 1970 to 1987, allowing listeners to savor the true essence of the “King of Mambo.” Pérez Prado first visited Japan in 1956 and went on to perform there 17 times, achieving immense popularity as his music was featured as TV theme songs and in commercials.

Its cheerful, dance-inducing groove makes it perfect for parties and dance events.

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La PalomaPeresu Puraado gakudan

La Paloma Pérez Prado Orchestra

La PalomaPeresu Puraado gakudan

This piece transforms a Spanish-style habanera into passionately arranged Latin music, masterfully elevated by Cuban-born maestro Pérez Prado.

On the 1959 album “Prado Mania,” the powerful brass section and dynamic percussion blend beautifully with the wistful, melodic elegance.

It’s ideal not only for those who want to dance to tango or mambo rhythms, but also for listeners drawn to arrangements that incorporate classical elements—making it a great recommendation for anyone interested in Latin music.

Featured in films such as “La Bamba” and “Good Morning, Vietnam,” it remains a treasured classic beloved across borders.

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Begin the BeguineCole Porter

Artie Shaw – Beguin The Beguine ( Cole Porter )

Begin the BeguineCole Porter

One of the jazz standards composed by Cole Porter.

It was used in the Broadway musical Jubilee.

The title “Begin the Beguine” plays on the dance “beguine,” which was popular in Paris at the time, and the English word “begin.” It’s a lively piece that showcases the clarinet, evoking the scene of dancing the beguine—a couple’s dance that mixes ballroom and Latin folk styles!

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I Got It Bad And That Ain’t GoodDuke Ellington

Duke Ellington – I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good

I Got It Bad And That Ain't GoodDuke Ellington

A pop and jazz standard created in 1941 by Duke Ellington and Paul Francis Webster.

It features vocals by Ivie Anderson and the legendary saxophonist Johnny Hodges.

The song has been covered by many artists.

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