Big Band Theory
The Big Band Theory plays the classics from the golden era of swing, and then connects it to large ensemble jazz from the past 100 years. There's some tunes you might know, and some tunes to surprise you, from right here in Maryland and around the world!
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A big band tribute to Philadelphia, featuring the iconic "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky, and music from some famous Philadelphia natives, including Gerry Mulligan, Philly Joe Jones, Lee Morgan and the Brecker brothers (Randy and Michael).
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Celebrating the Newport Jazz Festival this weekend, we play some of the famous live recordings from that festival. Includes Duke Ellington's Newport Suite, Toshiko Akiyoshi's Strive for Jive and Dave Brubeck's Blues for Newport.
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A collection of big band tunes for the hot, hot days of summer. Includes Count Basie's One Note Samba, Chick Corea's Armando's Rhumba, Ken Peplowski's new rendition of the Andrews Sisters' classic Rum and Coca Cola, and then we groove out on St. Thomas.
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A great mix of tunes, both new and old, including a segment of standards written by George and Ira Gershwin.
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A celebration of the July 4th holiday and a tribute to our troops through some old and modern big band classics.
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Featuring a track off of Bob Mintzer's new album with the WDR Big Band "Bluegrass", and a Scottish reel by Michael Brecker performed but the U. of North Texas 1 O'clock Lab Band. Then we also hear Lil' Liza, Lil' Darlin' and a tribute to the Jeep.
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A Father's Day special: From Horace Silver's standard "Song for My Father", Woody Herman's "Your Father's Moustache" and some special recordings from the sons of Clare Fischer and Duke Ellington.
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A big band tribute to all of the triathletes from far and wide on the shore this weekend. Includes the classic theme from Rocky "Gonna Fly Now", a few different Olympic Themes, and an experimental rendition of Chariots of Fire from the Bad Plus.
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Celebrate Pride Month by running through the colors of the Big Band Rainbow! Featuring the music of Judy Garland, Elton John and Billy Strayhorn, from "The Kid From Red Bank", through "Rhapsody in Blue" and "Mood Indigo", and culminating in the Maria Schneider Orchestra's excellent rendition of "Over the Rainbow".
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A journey on the rivers of the Chesapeake Bay. From Hoagy Carmichael's earliest recording of "Lazy River", to the latest from Maryland's own Allison Miller, it's a musical river boat of big band tunes.