The appeal of large ensembles! Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of big bands

Let’s DanceBobby Byrne

Let’s Dance

Benny Goodman used the jazz standard “Let’s Dance” as his opening theme for fifty years.

As the title suggests, it’s a swing jazz tune you can dance to, with a brilliantly festive atmosphere.

This time, I’ve highlighted a performance by the band led by trombonist Bobby Byrne, who was highly regarded as a bandleader.

The Benny Goodman Orchestra is excellent, of course, but the Bobby Byrne Orchestra has its own distinctive flavor—so be sure to compare the two.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Ace HighTab Smith

Ace High

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Anitra’s BoogieCarmen Cavallaro

Anitra’s Boogie

Carmen Cavallaro, the great jazz pianist from New York.

Having originally aimed to be a classical performer, he is known among jazz pianists for his especially high level of technique.

His performance of “Anitra’s Boogie” is a big-band number that masterfully balances his delicate yet bold piano touch with the power of the big band, resulting in a superb piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Somebody Stole My GalBenny Goodman

Somebody Stole My Gal

For Japanese people—especially those from the Kansai region—the jazz number “Somebody Stole My Gal” is extremely familiar.

Composed by Leo Wood in 1918, the version released by Ted Weems in 1924 became a major hit, dominating the charts at No.

1 for five weeks.

The reason it’s famous in Japan is that it’s used as the theme song for Yoshimoto Shinkigeki.

If you’re from the Kansai area, that melody probably rang a bell, didn’t it?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Don’t Be That WayPeanuts Hucko

Don’t Be That Way

In Japan, the jazz standard “Don’t Be That Way” is affectionately known as “Sono Te wa Nai yo.” Composed in 1938 by Benny Goodman and Edgar Sampson, it is now regarded as a classic of swing jazz and remains popular.

Often cited as one of the Benny Goodman Orchestra’s most successful numbers, its reputation is well deserved—the piece stands out for its highly polished, quintessential big band sound.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Give My Regards To BroadwayWerner Müller

Give My Regards To Broadway

Give My Regards to Broadway is a piece written by composer George Michael Cohan for the 1904 hit musical Little Johnny Jones.

Since it was composed for a musical, its structure is extremely catchy compared to swing jazz standards typically performed by big bands.

Many people might feel it sounds like something from a Koki Mitani film, or like the kind of music you’d hear at a school sports day.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Love for SaleBuddy Rich

Love For Sale (Live At Chez Club, Hollywood/1966/Remix)

Many leaders of jazz big bands are pianists or wind instrumentalists.

However, Buddy Rich was a drummer—and an exceptionally skilled one who influenced many later modern jazz drummers.

In his big band, the drum performance is one of the main highlights.