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 (11–20)

All the Cats Join InColeman Hawkins

All the Cats Join In

All the Cats Join InColeman Hawkins

A classic created by three composers—Ray Gilbert, Eddie Sauter, and Alec Wilder—“All the Cats Join In.” It was first released by Benny Goodman and was also featured in Disney’s 1946 film Make Mine Music.

The piece is notable for its drums, and unlike glamorous, dazzling big band numbers, it has a stylish melody suffused with a touch of melancholy, which is truly striking.

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I’m Getting Sentimental Over YouTommy Dorsey

Tommy Dorsey – I’m Getting Sentimental Over You

I'm Getting Sentimental Over YouTommy Dorsey

A piece composed by George Bassman for the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra, formed by brothers Jimmy, a clarinetist, and Tommy, a trombonist.

Later, the younger brother Tommy had a musical dispute with his older brother Jimmy and left the band to form the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

This piece was used as Tommy Dorsey’s theme song and became widely known.

The song includes lyrics along the lines of, “I thought I didn’t need love, but now I’m sentimental about you,” expressing a bittersweet yet tender feeling of love through its graceful melody.

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Some Skunk FunkThe Brecker Brothers

Brecker Brothers feat. by WDR BIG BAND – Some Skunk Funk | GRAMMY 2007

Some Skunk FunkThe Brecker Brothers

Formed by brothers Randy and Michael Brecker, the Brecker Brothers are known for their classic 1978 album Heavy Metal Be-Bop, which features the popular track Some Skunk Funk.

The original is a funk number with a strong fusion flavor, but a big band arrangement—where the brass and winds take center stage in a flashy display—has also become popular.

As a relatively modern piece in the big band repertoire, it is frequently performed by younger big bands as well.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Watch What HappensElla Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald ft. Ernie Hecksher & His Big Band – Watch What Happens (Verve Records 1968)

Watch What HappensElla Fitzgerald

Composed by Michel Legrand in 1960 as the theme for Jacques Demy’s film “Lola,” the piece became a hit when Demy added French lyrics and used it in the 1964 musical film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.” It’s a love song from a male perspective, expressing the frustration and heartache of being afraid of love and unable to speak honestly because of past wounds.

Later, Norman Gimbel wrote English lyrics, and the song became a hit in the United States as well!

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Ace HighTab Smith

Ace High

Ace HighTab Smith

Ace High, a jazz standard widely used in many types of media in Japan.

You’ve probably heard its intro melody at least once.

It’s a number that showcases the dazzling appeal of the big band, and listening to it puts you in a cheerful mood.

This time, we’ve picked a performance by Tab Smith, a saxophonist of swing jazz and rhythm and blues.

It’s a classic where you can enjoy both his high-level technique and the musical completeness of Ace High.

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