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)

Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones

Quincy Jones – Soul Bossa Nova

Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones

Even if you don’t know the title, many of you have probably heard it somewhere.

It’s a piece that has been quoted countless times in TV shows, films, and video games.

Composed by American music producer and composer Quincy Jones, it became a major hit thanks to its familiar opening melody and lively rhythm.

In the 1997 comedy film Austin Powers, it was used almost like the main theme song.

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Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” BY GLENN MILLER

Moonlight SerenadeGlenn Miller

Composed in 1939 by trombonist Glenn Miller, this piece is one of the signature works of swing jazz and served as the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s band theme.

It has been featured in many commercials as well as in performance scenes in the film Swing Girls.

The original arrangement is a slow big band number that features the clarinet, and its rich emotional quality even led Mitchell Parish to later add lyrics, allowing it to be performed as a vocal song.

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The Appeal of Large Ensembles! Recommended and Popular Big Band Classics (31–40)

I Will Wait for YouMichel Legrand

Michel Legrand Orchestra – (Big Band) I Will Wait for You

I Will Wait for YouMichel Legrand

Michel Legrand, the French composer and pianist who worked on numerous film scores, was also deeply devoted to jazz.

Many of his film compositions incorporated jazz, and he also released jazz albums independently of his film work.

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Der verdammte BeatBigband Dachau

Bigband Dachau | Der verdammte Beat

Der verdammte BeatBigband Dachau

Der Verdammte Beat is a track included on a jazz album released by Artmode Records in 2016.

Bigband Dachau is a German big band, a 25-member group led by Tom Jahn.

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BirdlandMRT BIG BAND

MRT BIG BAND – “Birdland” live at Suli An

BirdlandMRT BIG BAND

Birdland is a signature song by Weather Report, the legendary jazz fusion group formed around Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter.

Overflowing with captivating pop sensibility, the piece is a classic—its cover by The Manhattan Transfer even won a Grammy Award.

While the melody is simple and easy on the ears, the track offers the enjoyment of various instrumental solos and ensemble passages.

It has been arranged for formats such as wind band and is frequently performed.

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ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BANDIRVING BERLIN

ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BAND- ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK- IRVING BERLIN.

ALEXANDER’S RAGTIME BANDIRVING BERLIN

A song composed by Irving Berlin in 1911 that sparked the ragtime craze.

It sold one million copies within a year of its release, became a hit in the United States and across Europe, and attracted considerable attention.

It has since become a jazz standard.

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One O’Clock JumpCount Basie

One O’Clock Jump – Count Basie and his Orchestra (1965)

One O'Clock JumpCount Basie

One O’Clock Jump, composed by American jazz pianist and bandleader Count Basie.

Alongside Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington, he is regarded as one of the leading figures of swing jazz and big band music.

Written during his golden era, this popular piece is notable for its distinctive saxophone rhythms and the brilliant melodies of the brass section.

It’s a lively, upbeat tune that lifts your spirits just by listening!

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