Big Band greats of the past and modern era
 Eric Ekstrand Ensemble
Singer, musician, writer and arranger Eric Ekstrand fronts this ten piece, brass dominated, swing and jump jazz band. Formed by Eric in 1992, this foot-stomping ensemble is made up of some of Los Angeles' top swing, R&B, jazz and blues musicians. The group plays regularly in sit-down jazz and showcase clubs throughout California.
on mp3.com
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Murder at the Cotton Club 8:14 - Upbeat, loud and fun; a story of the 30's cotton club Mathew-Aaron Dusk Featured in the MP3Machine Artist Database
Lush jazz vocals influenced by greats like Sinatra, Bennett, Dean Martin and Ella Fitzgerald, backed by the sixteen piece Bobby Cooper Orchestra - the music of Mathew-Aaron Dusk brings the big band era back to life. This award-winning artist was born in Toronto in 1978 and is currently studying jazz master classes with Oscar Peterson.
on mp3.com
personal web site
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Steppin' Out With My Baby 3:05 - A refreshing and lively take on the Irving Berlin classic Duke Ellington
The Duke and his Orchestra continue to be a household name in jazz swing and big band. Duke Ellington was born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29, 1899 in Washington DC and died of Cancer in 1974. Solo or as band leader, Ellington brought style and sophistication to jazz performance of the 20's and 30's appearing in a number of films in that era, including the 1935 production 'Symphony In Black (A Rhapsody of Negro Life)' that also featured Billie Holiday.
Parker Down
Callum Benepe drums in this big band fronted by vocalist Ralph Borghese. Horn and string sections work with guest vocalists and pianists to re-create the songs of greats like Ellington and Goodman.
on mp3.com
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Jumping At The Woodside 1:57 - Definately a jumpin jazz track of exciting drumming with impeccable piano and horn work. The Joey Thomas Big Band Featured in the MP3Machine Artist Database
Predominantly a swing band, The Joey Thomas Big Band specialize in the performance of original arrangements for dancing.
personal web site
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Mack The Knife 3:28 - A slow swing interpretation of Kurt Weil's 1928 production with vocals by Jay Traynor of The Americans. Count Basie
William "Count" Basie was born in New Jersey in 1904 and died April 26, 1984. The blues-jazz Basie Orchestra was joined in performance by the biggest names in classic song; Ellington, Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis and Billie Holiday to name a few.
on mp3.com
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Poor Butterfly 4:08 - A great example of the best in jazz orchestra performances. Horn, piano, and percussion with swingin' and thumpin' drums. Louis Armstrong
To many of us, he remains the greatest jazz musician, ever. Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong was born smack on the turn of the century and died 71 years later in Queens, New York. His influence on the evolution of jazz is considered un-matched and the story of his extensive career experiences and remarkable life continues to influence modern jazz musicians world-wide.
Belfast Jazz Orchestra Featured in the MP3Machine Artist Database
The Orchestra, whose members come from all parts of Ulster (Nth. Ireland), is dedicated to the encouragement of big band music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other jazz greats. Regular performances held at their base venue, the Belmont Social Club, raise funds for Leukemia Research, British Diabetic Association and other charities.
personal web site
on The Jazz Site Recommended listen/download:
Cradle Livery Classic 3:32 - One of the more mellow swing tunes of this exciting and versatile Irish big band, with piano, woodwind and horn highlights. Ella Fitzgerald
"The first lady of song", "I never knew how good our songs were until I heard Ella Fitzgerald sing them," --Ira Gershwin. It is said that Ella's first performance as a teenager happened in a talent quest when she intended to dance, was struck with stage fright and sang instead. A trademark feature of Ella's musical improvising was the use of her voice as an instrument.
on mp3.com
on The Women of The Hall
on Vitaminic
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Good Enough to Keep 3:52 - A prime example of the style of improvisation that became an Ella Fitxgerald trademark. An up-tempo performance in front of a live audience with the backing of piano and drums (Ella is the brass section). |
