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 Allure of Large Ensembles! Recommended and Popular Big Band Classics (1–10)

Love For SaleAnita O’Day

Anita O’Day. Love For Sale

Love For SaleAnita O'Day

Love for Sale is a masterpiece composed by Cole Porter, a songwriter who gained popularity for his urbane lyrics.

When people think of big bands, many imagine glamorous, showy melodies.

This piece, however, was written with vocals in mind, and—as you can tell from the fact that it was composed by Cole Porter—it features an exceptionally stylish melody.

If you’re tired of traditional big band sounds, be sure to give this one a listen.

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Pennsylvania Six-Five ThousandRay McKinley

Pennsylvania Six-Five Thousand

Pennsylvania Six-Five ThousandRay McKinley

Ray McKinley, a jazz drummer from the United States who gained popularity for his sophisticated arranging techniques, also thrived as a bandleader and left numerous classic performances with big bands.

His rendition of “Pennsylvania Six-Five Thousand” is a popular standard released in 1940, and many covers featuring swing-jazz arrangements have been issued over the years.

With an impactful structure right from the intro, it’s a perfect piece for experiencing the power of a big band.

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My Blue HeavenArtie Shaw

My Blue Heaven

My Blue HeavenArtie Shaw

My Blue Heaven, released in 1972 by Walter Donaldson and George A.

Whiting, is a classic that has been covered by many jazz artists, though it was originally released as a popular song.

This cover by Artie Shaw is arranged to showcase his exceptional clarinet technique.

I think you’ll find it even more interesting if you compare it with the original.

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It Don’t Mean a ThingLjubljana Academy of Music Big Band

It Don’t Mean a Thing (swing take) – Ljubljana Academy of Music Big Band

It Don't Mean a ThingLjubljana Academy of Music Big Band

Duke Ellington was an American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader.

Famous for works like “Take the ‘A’ Train,” he is often regarded as one of the greatest musicians in 20th-century jazz and popular music.

While both the music and the lyrics are quite simple, the piece is packed with the essence of jazz that makes you want to move your body as you listen.

As the title suggests, it’s a track where you can fully enjoy the uniquely jazzy swing!

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A String Of PearlsBBC Big Band

A String Of Pearls – BBC Big Band [HQ]

A String Of PearlsBBC Big Band

Among the many big band repertoire classics, “A String of Pearls” ranks among the most popular.

Composed in 1941 by Jerry Gray—one of the figures who helped sustain the Glenn Miller Orchestra after the death of Glenn Miller, the “King of Swing” who founded the band—the piece features saxophones and a buoyant rhythm that evokes the feel of individual pearls, while its brilliant yet refined melody seems to capture the luster of a necklace.

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