Need some recommendations - hard driving big band


Hi...Been trying to get into jazz... seems the only thing that works for me is "hard bob." I'm just starting to realize that I might prefer the big band stuff! I always thought Big Band was old fogey music...but lately it seems to me to have more fire and energy than the jazz I've been listening to. Maybe this is what I've been missing?

What I'm looking for: The best I can describe is that (like everyone) I love Duke's (fake or real) Diminuendo in Blue.... Give me a few albums of that type of stuff and I'll never leave the house!

I'm thinking Count Basie? But I I have no idea where to start.

Again, I want it hard driving/rocking or the slow building to a boil stuff..not melodic noodling.

Does this even make sense?
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Showing 1 response by frogman

Some good suggestions so far.  For someone who likes Duke Ellington and Hard Bob, I mean Hard Bop I particularly like the Count Basie (duh!), Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, and Goodwin's Big Phat Band recs.  I would add:

Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band:

http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=18q6jj786#/watch?v=o7quash4Cic

Kenny Clark/Francy Boland Big Band (a litle hard to find)

http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=18q6jj786#/watch?v=iosSZvrDyf0

Rob MacConnell's Boss Brass.  If you are into vinyl and can find his Direct to Disc LP's on the Umbrella label they are dynamite.

http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=18q6jj786#/watch?list=PLVRgqTDxIgSRgmOgkFBRR5rEfkOL4mhOI&v=VtRtNVgk-Fs

And if you like classic vocals with big band,  "Frank Sinatra At The Sands" is a must have:

http://m.youtube.com/?reload=7&rdm=18q6jj786#/watch?v=RTrI74EH7X0