Check out the Bill Holman Band "View from the side" cd. It's an XRCD cd that is superb sounding: Big,brassy, and dynamic. Highly recommended! Also might want to check out a cd titled "Big Band Basie" from Reference recordings. Ken
Jazz- Modern big band
Was going to post at Jazz Recommendations but thought better make a new thread... Any suggestions for good contemporary (let's say last 20 or so years) big band material? Economics make this an increasingly rare format, but there must be some good stuff out there. I read about Maria Schneider in the Dec. Sterophile; maybe I should try her. I have and enjoy Gil Evans sessions at Sweet Basil. I suppose Thad Jones and Mel Lewis still have their orchestra going. I used to really dig the Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin big band; Akiyoshi must still be doing her thing. I haven't been paying attention for a while and don't have anything in big band, besides the Evans, from the 80's or 90's. What should I be aware of?