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 charm of large ensembles! Recommended and popular big band classics (51–60)

Cry Me A RiverGroover Big Band

Groover Big Band – Cry Me A River

Cry Me A RiverGroover Big Band

This is a standard number written and composed in 1953 by American songwriter Arthur Hamilton, and released as a vocal performance by Julie London in 1955, becoming a major hit.

Since then, it has continued to be arranged and sung across various genres, including rock, jazz, and blues.

Addressed to a lover who once betrayed her but now seeks reconciliation, the song coolly pushes him away with the line, “Serves you right—cry me a river,” blaming him while occasionally revealing the lingering feelings she still can’t erase—an expression of a woman’s conflicted heart.

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Midnight SunLionel Hampton

Midnight Sun – Lionel Hampton

Midnight SunLionel Hampton

In jazz, the vibraphone is sometimes played, and the pioneer of this was Lionel Hampton.

Although he also thrived in small combos, in his early years he was a bandleader who led a moody big band.

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Silbando MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

Silbando Mambo

Silbando MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

This piece is a quintessential song from the golden age of mambo, notable for its cheerful melody built around a whistling motif.

The sound of the orchestra led by Cuba-born Pérez Prado blends a powerful brass section with rhythmic arrangements in perfect harmony.

Released in 1951, it is an original composition by Prado himself, born from a recording session on December 15, 1950.

With the innovative approach characteristic of Prado—known as the King of Mambo—the work breathed new life into traditional Latin music.

It’s a vibrant track perfect for dance halls and parties, a heart-pounding number that makes you want to surrender to the rhythm.

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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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