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)

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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Get UpBob Mintzer

Bob Mintzer Big Band – Get Up!

Get UpBob Mintzer

Even after the advent of the fusion era, big bands were sustained.

While thriving as a saxophonist, Bob Mintzer also led a big band.

This piece is a jazz-funk work inspired by James Brown’s funk.

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Sugar BluesClyde McCoy

The REAL Clyde McCoy “Sugar Blues”

Sugar BluesClyde McCoy

Originally produced by Clarence Williams in 1920, it was first recorded in 1922 by Leona Williams and her Dixie Band.

This version by Clyde McCoy was particularly popular and was used in Marilyn Monroe’s 1959 comedy film Some Like It Hot.

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Open beautyDon Ellis

Don Ellis Big Band ‘ Open beauty ‘ – Tanglewood 1968

Open beautyDon Ellis

Distinguished from big bands of the Swing era, big bands from the modern jazz period are called modern big bands.

Don Ellis incorporated an electric sound into the big band.

This piece is one of the more challenging among them.

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SpacetripJazz Bigband Graz

Jazzfest Bonn 2012: Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle, JBBG – Jazz Bigband Graz

SpacetripJazz Bigband Graz

“Space Trip” is a track from the jazz album Urban Folktales, released by ACT in 2012, and it is in the big band style.

Jazz Bigband Graz (JBBG) is a big band founded in Graz, Austria, in 1998.

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