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

Market MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

Market Mambo

It features a passionate Latin sound highlighted by a lavish lineup of brass and saxophones led by Cuban-born Pérez Prado.

Riding on especially powerful brass and a sprightly rhythm, this track vividly captures the energy and bustle of a marketplace, punctuated by Prado’s signature shout, “Ahh—Uh!” Released by Victor Entertainment in July 2016 as part of the album ‘The Ultimate Mambo: Japan Tour Commemorative Edition,’ it showcases masterful performances from Prado’s mature period, the very artist who sparked the global mambo craze of the 1950s.

Its dazzling, step-inducing dance hall sound remains a staple for livening up party scenes and continues to be loved around the world today.

Black Horse MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

Black Horse Mambo - Pérez Prado

This Cuban classic, brimming with the allure of mambo music, was released in 1952.

Listeners will be irresistibly captivated by the powerful brass section and the energetic, explosive performances centered on saxophones and trumpets by Pérez Prado—known as the King of Mambo—and his orchestra.

The performance style features bold arrangements that blend Cuba’s traditional music with a big band sound, sending dance halls into a frenzy.

The work was re-recorded in December 1970 at the Nippon Victor studio in Japan and is also included on the renowned album “The Ultimate Mambo [Commemorating the Japan Tour].” It’s a must-hear track that delivers a stellar performance from the golden age of mambo to all lovers of Latin music.

Silbando MamboPeresu Puraado gakudan

Silbando Mambo

This piece is a quintessential song from the golden age of mambo, notable for its cheerful melody built around a whistling motif.

The sound of the orchestra led by Cuba-born Pérez Prado blends a powerful brass section with rhythmic arrangements in perfect harmony.

Released in 1951, it is an original composition by Prado himself, born from a recording session on December 15, 1950.

With the innovative approach characteristic of Prado—known as the King of Mambo—the work breathed new life into traditional Latin music.

It’s a vibrant track perfect for dance halls and parties, a heart-pounding number that makes you want to surrender to the rhythm.

The Groove MerchantThad Jones

Thad Jones & Mel Lewis – The Groove Merchant (1968)

Thad Jones was born into a musical family—his older brother was the pianist Hank Jones and his younger brother was Elvin Jones, the legendary drummer of the John Coltrane Quartet—and he himself was a superb trumpeter and big band leader.

I Got It Bad And That Ain’t GoodDuke Ellington

Duke Ellington – I Got It Bad And That Ain’t Good

A pop and jazz standard created in 1941 by Duke Ellington and Paul Francis Webster.

It features vocals by Ivie Anderson and the legendary saxophonist Johnny Hodges.

The song has been covered by many artists.

Hello DollyLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – Hello Dolly

A song from the 1964 American musical Hello, Dolly! Set in late 19th-century New York and its suburban rural towns, this musical comedy follows Dolly, a meddlesome yet caring matchmaker whose schemes send many men and women into a whirlwind, only for them to end up paired off one after another.

Its upbeat, lively rhythm and luxurious sound help define the musical’s overall positive atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

HATSUMI

Report a problem

From This Moment OnBohuslän Big Band

From This Moment On

“From This Moment On” is a track included on the 2011 jazz album “Don’t Fence Me In,” performed in a big band style.

Bohuslän Big Band is a big band with roots in Swedish military bands, founded in 1994 as a modern jazz ensemble.