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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At the core, a rousing rendition of "Billie's Bounce" from Joey DeFrancesco and the City Rhythm Orchestra. From the classics "Blues in Hoss' Flat" and "My Ship", to the new release from Michael Mayo, "You and You".
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A real mixed bag showing the diversity and vibrancy of the big band tradition. Includes the Matthew Herbert Big Band on "Yessness", some accordian-based tunes from Astor Piazzola and Maria Schneider, and some hot jazz with Michel Camilo's "One More Once" and Maynard Ferguson's classic stratospheric "Bridge Over Troubled Water".
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Some Scottish-inspired tracks, including from the soundtrack to Spike Lee's new film "Highest to Lowest" by Fergus McCreadie, and "Of Glamur the Ghost and a Scottish Reel" from the Reykjavik Big Band. Later on we hear a special band made up entirely of DACA recipients, on the track "Don't Fence Me In". And so much more...
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A tribute to the pivotal but oft-forgotten role of the clarinet in big band jazz. Includes Artie Shaw's "Concerto for Clarinet", Benny Goodman's classic take on "Honeysuckle Rose", and more from Woody Herman, Sidney Bechet, Eddie Daniels, Ken Peplowski, and Anat Cohen.
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The new track from the Christian McBridge Big Band, featuring Sting, "Murder by Numbers". Then a bunch of number-themed tracks. And a new West Side Story medley.
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We've got a cool Supersax rendition of Charlie Parker's "Now's the Time". Then get laid back with Bill Evans on Claus Ogerman's Symbiosis.
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We start with some tunes for the birds: Pigeons and Peppers, Whirlybird, Chasin' the Bird, and Birdland. Then it's on to some big band arrangements of some of Weather Report's greatest hits. And we don't stop until we get enough...
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A tribute to the long history of Big Band in Sweden and its neighbors. Includes Duke Ellington's Serenade to Sweden, the music that Thad Jones brought over, and some homegrown music from Harry Arnold. Also some experimental big band from Ultraviolett, and no Sweden episode would be complete without some ABBA.