Jazz Big Band Recommendations?

Check out the Dave Holland Big Band and the Jaco Pastorus Big Band. Not new, but worth looking for: Gil Evans' Monday Orchestra Live at Sweet Basil Vol.1 or Vol.2.

Nighthawk,

Although hardly unknown, I have to put my 2-cents in for The Buddy Rich Big Band (its many permutations of personel, notwithstanding). They left us with a wealth of material that is seeing daylight on CDs.

I could type away with the many titles but I recommend, if you haven't heard it already, "The Best Of Buddy Rich - The Pacific Years" (CDP72438 5 7568-2 5).

Among all the great tracks, track 8 has the "Channel 1 Suite" a tour-de-force of playing with perhaps the most virtuosic tenor sax solo by Don Menza, in the 2nd movement. This track, I believe, was originally from the album "Buddy Rich At Cesar's Palace"

The Thad Jones and Mel Lewis and Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin are also among my favorites. Although, the raw energy and supernatural drumming of Buddy Rich always leave me speechless (even though, ok, I'll say it, Mr. Rich does tend to hog the action sometimes.) But man, what a hog!

I know it's not exactly what you are looking for but, I have been playing the crap out of a new disk by Geoff Muldaur. It's called "Private Astronomy, A vision of the music of Bix Beiderbecke". Really, really great arrangements of Bix tunes (some of which were never recorded). Check it out it's a good one.

A couple to add to your list -

Seattle Repertory Jazz Orchestra has a live album that is one of the all-time best. Great charts and great playing.

Maria Schneider has several albums that may catch your fancy.

I second the Dave Holland

Ginger Baker and DJQ20

Carla Bley Big Band, I don't think much of the new one "Looking for America" but the rest are good, "Goes to Church" and "Live" are a few favorites.

Joe Henderson Big Band