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 classics (71–80)

Hello, HelloLutz Krajenski Big Band, Juliano Rossi

Juliano Rossi – Hello Hello live

Hello, HelloLutz Krajenski Big Band, Juliano Rossi

“Hello, Hello” is a track in the Big Band style included on the jazz album “Lutz Krajenski Bigband Meets Julio Rossi,” released by Peppermint Park in 2011.

Lutz Krajenski, born in 1972, is a German composer, arranger, and bandleader.

Juliano Rossi, born in 1970, is a singer from Hanover, Germany.

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Feeling Good (Joe Horrocks cover)Mighty Fraser Big Band

Mighty Fraser Big Band , Joe Horrocks vocal, Feeling Good

Feeling Good (Joe Horrocks cover)Mighty Fraser Big Band

Feeling Good is a classic song by Nina Simone released in 1965, and it was also sung by Michael Bublé in 2005.

It is covered in a big band arrangement by Mighty Fraser, featuring Joe Horrocks as the jazz vocalist.

The Mighty Fraser Big Band is a big band based in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada.

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Theme of Honda Construction CompanyShibusa Shirazu

Shibusashirazu – Honda Construction Company Theme @ World Simultaneous Multiple-Outbreak Festival FUKUSHIMA!

Theme of Honda Construction CompanyShibusa Shirazu

Starting from underground activities, Shibusa Shirazu is an extraordinary collective that grew into a big band Japan can proudly present to the world.

Not only performers but also dancers share the stage, and their sound—incorporating jazz, rock, and dance music—garnered attention, leading to appearances at major festivals like Fuji Rock Festival and multiple world tours.

While they may differ in character from so-called conventional big bands, they are a group worth highlighting for the sheer brilliance and joy of their large-ensemble band sound.

The signature number they perform near the end of their shows is Honda Komuten no Theme.

Composed by the group’s central figure, Daisuke Fuwa, it delivers a dynamism that rivals rock and a band ensemble where instruments intermingle like a faraway festival.

Let it wash over you, and you’ll surely feel energized to face tomorrow.

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The Allure of Large Ensembles! Recommended and Popular Big Band Classics (81–90)

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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In conclusion

One of the great pleasures is that even a standard number everyone knows can reveal new charms depending on the big band performing it. The powerful, intricate ensemble that arises from many instruments offers attractions you simply can’t experience with a quartet or trio. If you haven’t paid much attention to big band ensembles until now, I hope this article has helped you discover the fun that big bands have to offer!