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 masterpieces (21–30)

Don’t Be That WayPeanuts Hucko

Don’t Be That Way

Don't Be That WayPeanuts Hucko

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.

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Atomic B.Tobias Becker Bigband

Tobias Becker Bigband – ATOMIC B.

Atomic B.Tobias Becker Bigband

Atomic B is a track from the album Big Band, released by Neuklang in 2016.

Tobias Becker was born in 1978 and is from Duisburg, Germany.

He is the label owner of Platzhirsch Schallplatten and also leads a big band.

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Charles BridgeJazzrausch Bigband

Jazzrausch Bigband – Charles Bridge

Charles BridgeJazzrausch Bigband

Charles Bridge is a track included on Prague Calling, released in March 2017.

Jazzrausch Bigband is a big band from Munich, Germany, formed in 2014, with around 40 members.

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Down By The RiversideOliver Nelson

Oliver Nelson “Down By The Riverside”

Down By The RiversideOliver Nelson

Oliver Nelson, like Gil Evans, was a renowned modern jazz saxophonist and arranger known for his forward-thinking arrangements.

While his arrangements for small combos with three-horn lineups shine, he also left remarkable works for big band ensembles.

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Days Of Wine And RosesWoody Herman

Woody Herman Days Of Wine And Roses w/Bill Chase

Days Of Wine And RosesWoody Herman

Black big bands such as Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and white big bands like Glenn Miller’s, had different musical styles, partly due to racial issues.

The first white big band to break down that barrier was Woody Herman’s band.

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