My latest musical discovery is Either/Orchestra, a big-band outfit from Boston. My favorite of their albums so far is Afro-Cubism, although AMG only gives it three stars – of course, I’ve been listening to a lot of African and Afro-Caribbean music over the last couple years, so that could affect my opinion.
Anyone else like this sort of music? Any recommendations?
Hunter Sullivan has a local jazz orchestra here in the Dallas area that has a CD of original songs and standards. You can hear some clips here and here.
Pash
This is kinda nonstandard, but Nik Turner’s Fantastic Allstars has a fun CD called Kubano Kickasso.
Yes, this is the Nik Turner from Hawkwind.
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. When that album was released, he pretty much stopped being a country singer.
Either/Orchestra are great fun!
If it’s the Afro-Cuban stuff you’re after, I’m afraid I don’t know too many contemporary big bands who play it, but neither Mario Bauzá nor Dizzy Gillespie will ever get old. Paquito D’Rivera led the United Nation Orchestra after Dizzy’s death, I believe.
Other contemporary leaders of big bands: McCoy Tyner, David Murray, Butch Morris (is he still around?), Ken Schaphorst (maybe that’s only a 10-tet or so, not sure), Maria Schneider.
Bob Mintzer (unsure of the spelling) has an excellent contemporary big band. And I’m not sure if they still record, but the GRP All-Star Big Band was amazing. Their self-titled CD has some great big band standards on it, with some of the finest arrangements I’ve ever heard.
Thanks for the suggestions, all! I’ve definitely got a list going.
I was hoping to lure you in, BBVL! And E. Thorp – thanks for the Dizzy Gillespie reminder – you’re right, he’s also in that mood.