Just starting to play big band music in school? Don't know what a big band is? Want a refresher on some of the greatest big band records ever made? Well, you've come to the right place.
This list is certainly subjective but what I feel are great examples of each bands unique style. I will note that I'm only including recordings post 1950. If you have any additions to my list or notice any discrepancies please feel free to leave a comment!
Count Basie Orchestra
The Atomic Mr. Basie (1958)
Lead: Snooky Young
Chairman of the Board (1959)
Lead: Snooky Young
Frankly Basie (1963)
Lead: Snooky Young
Live at the Sands (Before Frank) (1966)
Lead: Al Aarons
Basie Straight Ahead (1968)
Lead: Gene Goe
Stan Kenton Orchestra
Contemporary Concepts (1955)
Lead: Al Porcino
Cuban Fire! (1956)
Lead: Ed Leddy
West Side Story (1961)
Lead: Dalton Smith
Live at Redlands University (1970)
Lead: Mike Vax
Kenton '76 (1976)
Lead: John Harner
Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra
All My Yesterdays (1966)
Lead: Snooky Young
Central Park North (1969)
Lead: Snooky Young
Consummation (1970)
Lead: Snooky Young
Potpourri (1974)
Lead: Jon Faddis
Greetings and Salutations (1975)
Lead: Jon Faddis
Terry Gibbs Dream Band
Vol. 1 Dream Band (1959)
Lead: Al Porcino
Vol. 2 - The Sundown Sessions (1959)
Lead: Johnny Audino
Vol. 3 - Flying Home (1959)
Lead: Al Porcino (tracks 3-6, 9, 11), Johnny Audino (tracks 1, 2, 7, 8, 10)
Vol. 4 Main Stem (1961)
Lead: Al Porcino
Vol. 5 - The Big Cat (1961)
Lead: Al Porcino
Buddy Rich Big Band
Swingin' New Big Band (1966)
Lead: Bobby Shew
Big Swing Face (1967)
Lead: Chuck Findley
Mercy, Mercy (1968)
Lead: Al Porcino
The Roar of '74 (1974)
Lead: Charley Davis
Maynard Ferguson
All M.F. Horn Albums
Lead: Various
Conquistador (1974)
Lead: Stan Mark
Big Bop Nouveau (1988)
Lead: Wayne Bergeron
Live From London (1994)
Lead: Roger Ingram
Brass Attitude (1998)
Lead: Frank Greene
That's it for now! Get started with some of these great records. Don't stop there though! One of the most fun parts of playing is discovering new records to listen to on your own. Like a band? Find all of their records! Like a player? Find all of their records! There is so much to listen to and absorb. It can be overwhelming sometimes but stick to one album at a time and you'll be fine. Enjoy walking the listening path to lead trumpet enlightenment.
Alright y'all I hope you enjoyed the post! Stay hydrated and keep listening.
-Jake
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