Jazz Big Band Recommendations?

if you're still interested, the Basie band is still growing strong. The have a couple of new CDs on mama jazz recordings [mamajazz.org]. On mama jazz, also look for Bob Florence and Gerald Wilson. They both do big band stuff. Also, Qincy Jones did a big band thing a few years ago called Basie and Beyond....I think that's the title. Go to reference recordings home page and look for Big Band Basie. I have more if you need them.
Thanks
Blurock

Gerald Wilson, Sun Ra, Italian Instabile Orchestra, Mike Westbrook, NOW Orchestra, Vienna Art Orchestra, Asian American Orchestra.

Just to follow up, I bought several CDs based on the recommendations given here. There's lots of good stuff, but if I had to pick one outstanding find it would be the Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band. I bought "Swinging for the Fences" and "XXL". Both are great. Goodwin's style is uniquely his own but reminds me of Rob McConnell, Les Hooper, Tommy Newsom, and Louis Bellson in spots. It is of the more straight-ahead variety than avant-garde. If you haven't heard of these guys I urge you to check them out.

Nighthawk, thanks for the input. I also went out and bought the same two discs that you bought. Wow what a kickin group. Lots of styles, and lots of appearances from greats.

Thanks,
Michael Wolff

I just ordered Big Phat Band off Ebay a few days ago. Sounds like I'm in for a big surprise. Have any of you guys tried any of the CDs I mentioned earlier?