Steve Lehman & Orchestre National De Jazz - ‘Ex Machina’

Here's a somewhat futuristic 2023 release.

The Orchestre National De Jazz is a progressive French big band that has released ~35 albums since 1986. Their latest endeavors delve into prog-rock and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted compositions. Discogs ; website ; YouTube ; Bandcamp

Their 2023 album Ex Machina, with composer/saxophonist Steve Lehman, used an AI program as a pre-compositional tool. Karl Ackermann/AllAboutJazz: “ Seamlessly incorporated with acoustic and electronic instrumentation, the elements blend together as … a baffling and beautiful juggling act.”

This is Steve Lehman's ~6th album since 2005. Discogs ; website ; Bandcamp

Steve Lehman & Orchestre National De Jazz, Ex Machina, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp.

This is on Big Band 2023 at Spotify/Jazz Todayish. 😎

Fredrik Nordström - ‘Big Band Stories’

Here’s a nice 2024 release.

Big Band Stories is saxophonist Fredrik Nordström’s 2nd big band album. Mark Corroto/AllAboutJazz: “Nordström's gift is his ability to leave space in this music for the solos to develop…. While Nordström solos on six tracks, he also gives generous attention to the skilled ensemble players assembled.” The band is ~northern European players.

Fredrik has released >13 albums since 2000, with Vibb, in 2007, his other big band release. Website. Discogs.

Fredrik Nordström, Big Band Stories, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

This is on Jazz Best Albums 2024 and Big Band 2024 at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.  😎

WDR Big Band & Mark Lettieri - Complete Concert YouTube

The WDR Big Band posted this concert from January 2024.

YouTube: “The WDR BIG BAND performs the concert program ‘The Rhythm Side Of Things’ together with Mark Lettieri on guitar, Billy Test on B3 and Rhodes, Wes Stephenson on electric bass, Daniel Porter on keyboards and Jason ‘JT’ Thomas on drums. Lettieri has found the perfect algorithm for funk: He fuses the influences of rhythm and rock guitar icons from the 70s and 80s. Now, for the first time, the guitar virtuoso meets the WDR Big Band under the direction of bandleader Jörg Achim Keller. The arrangements are by Mike Abene. Recorded live in Cologne's Stadtgarten.”

Mark Lettieri plays guitar and is an original member of the band Snarky Puppy, who have 5 Grammys with 5 nominations. He has released 8 solo albums since 2011. His 2021 album Deep: The Baritone Sessions Vol. 2 was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Website ; Discogs; YouTube.

A post below from 7 January recommends Snarky Puppy’s 2022 Grammy-nominated album Empire Central, with Mark.

The WDR Big Band is a project of WDR Broadcasters in Cologne, Germany. They have released >75 albums since 1979, and have won 4 Grammys with 6 nominations. YouTube channel (please subscribe); website ; Discogs

Four posts below about seven WDR Big Band albums: with trombonist Marshall Gilkes; 4 albums of Steve Gadd et al & Bob Mintzer collaborations; with arranger Chuck Owens; with bassist Ron Carter.  😎