The appeal of large ensembles! Recommended masterpieces and popular songs of big bands
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!
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The appeal of large ensembles! Recommended and popular big band masterpieces (41–50)
Cafe De FloreThe Matthew Herbert Big Band
Cafe De Flore is a track on “The Process, The Parts, The Many And The Few,” released in 2003 in an electronic jazz style.
The Mattes Herbert Big Band is a big band made up of top musicians from the UK jazz big band scene.
Matthew Herbert, born in 1972, is a British electronic music composer.
He is also a remixer and producer, and leads his own big band.
He began working under various names in 1995, and as “Matthew Herbert’s Brexit Big Band,” he also toured Japan.
Cucurrucucú PalomaPeresu Puraado gakudan
A magnificent work that breathes a beautiful Mexican soul into Cuban mambo.
Known as a signature piece of the Pérez Prado Orchestra, it fuses a melody that evokes the plaintive cooing of a dove with passionate Latin rhythms.
It was released in 1958 as the B-side to “Maria Bonita,” and the following year, 1959, it was included on the album “A Touch of Tabasco” with American jazz singer Rosemary Clooney.
In the 2006 film “Bella,” John Secada’s cover version was used as an insert song, enhancing an emotional scene.
Its powerful brass section and lively rhythm make it a great choice for livening up dance parties or mealtime gatherings.
Honeysuckle RoseFats Waller
Early jazz was highly entertainment-oriented industrial music performed in films, television shows, and nightclubs, with little difference from other commercial music.
Fats Waller was a famous composer and pianist of that era, and he also favored the use of big bands.
Mambo de ParisPeresu Puraado gakudan
In May 1951, the big band led by Dámaso Pérez Prado—who spearheaded the mambo boom of the 1950s and stood as a leading figure of Cuba—released a masterpiece that skillfully infused a touch of French essence while fusing mambo with jazz.
The vivid melodies woven by the brass section and saxophones, combined with lively, buoyant Latin rhythms, create an exquisite harmony.
Later included on the album “Mambo by the King,” this piece has captivated many as a song emblematic of the golden age of Latin music.
It’s recommended not only as passionate dance music but also for those seeking a refreshing mood—an essential mambo number.
Crazy About MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan
This track captivates with a passionate Latin sound woven from a powerful brass section and dynamic rhythms.
It’s a signature work by the Pérez Prado Orchestra, led by Cuban-born Dámaso Pérez Prado, and is included on the December 1996 release PEREZ PRADO DELUXE 1.
MAMBO SUCCESS.
In July 2016, it was also featured on the album The Ultimate Mambo.
Its innovative arrangement skillfully fuses elements of jazz and rock, overturning conventional notions of mambo and captivating many dance fans.
The brilliant interplay between the horn section and percussion has made it a timeless favorite across generations, a staple for energizing party scenes and dance floors.
Mambo NegroPeresu Puraado gakudan
A powerful piece that brilliantly fuses traditional Cuban rhythms with American big band jazz.
The Pérez Prado Orchestra’s brass section delivers a dazzling melody, while the passionate percussion creates a dynamic, vibrant sound that leaves a lasting impression.
This track is included on the album “COLEZO! Pérez Prado Orchestra,” which compiles recordings from 1970 to 1987, allowing listeners to savor the true essence of the “King of Mambo.” Pérez Prado first visited Japan in 1956 and went on to perform there 17 times, achieving immense popularity as his music was featured as TV theme songs and in commercials.
Its cheerful, dance-inducing groove makes it perfect for parties and dance events.
La PalomaPeresu Puraado gakudan
This piece transforms a Spanish-style habanera into passionately arranged Latin music, masterfully elevated by Cuban-born maestro Pérez Prado.
On the 1959 album “Prado Mania,” the powerful brass section and dynamic percussion blend beautifully with the wistful, melodic elegance.
It’s ideal not only for those who want to dance to tango or mambo rhythms, but also for listeners drawn to arrangements that incorporate classical elements—making it a great recommendation for anyone interested in Latin music.
Featured in films such as “La Bamba” and “Good Morning, Vietnam,” it remains a treasured classic beloved across borders.