Jazz Big Band Recommendations?

Thanks, folks. This is exactly what I was looking for. Lots of great recommendations here.

VVrinc, I agree with you on Buddy Rich. There are lots of good drummers. Buddy was incredible.

Check out -

Bob Mintzer music and
G. Goodwin and his Big Phat Band

Nighthawk,

Happy to know you appreciate Rich. He wasn't only a great drummer he had an uncanny ability to choose personel that emulated his "full-steam-ahead" style. I have found that many big bands have great soloists but not that succesful ensemble work. Of course, the ultimate "ensemble" guy was Stan Kenton and his many bands. All the greats that later went on to front their own bands and groups played for Kenton. He, like Rich, also handpicked the excellent composers and arrangers that wrote for them.

If Kenton has not been in your collection, please give him a listen. The "Cuban Fire" and "Adventures in Jazz" albums were ground-breaking events in music.

Best wishes.

VVrinc, I'm a big fan of Kenton, too. I was introduced to Kenton's music in the mid '70s when I was playing in my high school's jazz ensemble. I'll check out Cuban Fire, I don't have that one. Another band I like, that carries on Kenton's use of complex harmonies, is Rob McConnell and the Boss Brass. If you can find it, a direct-to-disc recording of theirs simply called Big Band Jazz (1977) is still one of their best, IMO, though "Our 25th Year" (1993) is very good also. They also made a recording with Mel Torme called Velvet and Brass that is excellent.

N'Hawk,

Two more tips for you if you are interested in the new directions big band music is taking.

The UMO Jazz Orchestra (Naxos Jazz 86010-2)
Tolvan Big Band (Naxos Jazz 86025-2)

The first, a Finnish group. The second, from Denmark. Both polinated from American models and influences but absolutely worth-listening for excellent performances and compositions/arrangements.

Regards.