Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra - 'Mundoagua: Celebrating Carla Bley' & Carla Bley - 'Fleur Carnivore' & a YouTube ~Concert

Today's selections are a 2025 tribute album, a 1989 album by the tributee, and a 2023 video tribute.  😁

Pianist/composer/arranger/bandleader/Latin Jazz icon Arturo "O'Farrill and his orchestra accomplished what they set out to do, which was to honor Carla Bley's vision and virtuosity while producing an album of stylish and entertaining Afro Latin jazz." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. There's actually alotta tempo changes and a bit of a wild ride. This would be labelled 'Progressive Big Band' by some, and is actually light on the 'Latin' touch. The orchestra is tight.

A post below is about Arturo's Grammy nominated album Virtual Birdland, with videos, and alotta info on him and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO). Arturo produces a regular Vlog, also called 'Virtual Birdland,' that is definitely worth a look and a subscription. Arturo's website ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs. ALJO Discogs. YouTube Channel.

Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Mundoagua: Celebrating Carla Bley, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

Pianist/composer/arranger/bandleader Carla Bley was an avant-garde jazz icon, with ~12 large ensemble albums and overall >24 releases from 1966 to 2019. Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs.

"Combining surprising arrangements and pop song melodies, Bley creates a unique jazz language, setting herself apart from both traditionalist bandleaders (Thad Jones) and more avant-garde stylists (George Russell). Fleur Carnivore is one of Bley's best titles and good place to start for newcomers." Stephen Cook/Allmusic. Album Wikipedia ; Discogs. A live album, released in 1989.

Carla Bley, Fleur Carnivore, full album: Spotify 

Arturo did a Vlog episode in tribute to Carla, after she passed in 2023,"Virtual Birdland, Episode 167, Remembering Carla Bley." Arturo does some commentary, but this is basically a full music show, with the suite 'Blue Palestine' from the new album. Included is a 2020 Carla small-group video. ~Split between small-group tunes and the ALJO. You should watch this, and subscribe to the ALJO YouTube Channel.  😎

Preservation Brass - 'For Fat Man'

Big Band 2025 post number 7. 🎺 🎷

"The bass drum beat is the heartbeat of New Orleans, the organ that pushes the blood through the arteries and veins of our city streets, and the biggest and strongest heart was Kerry 'Fat Man' Hunter. When the bass drum was strapped over his shoulders and the mallets were in his hands, he let ‘em know – loud, proud and undeniable was his style, and it’s that style that’s at the heart of For Fat Man, the new recording by the Preservation Hall Brass." Abbie Gobeli/Subpop. A project of their cornetist Kevin Louis.

"Along with the main Preservation Hall Jazz Band, who produced this, the Preservation Brass keeps the New Orleans brass band traditions alive. Active with various members for decades," this is their debut album. Matt Collar/Allmusic. Preservation Brass website.

Preservation Brass, For Fat Man, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp 

This is on the Big Band 2025 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.  😎

Kurt Rosenwinkel & Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos - 'Our Secret World: Live At Cara' & 'Our Secret World'

Big Band 2025 posts its 6th album.  😁

Fifteen years ago the Portuguese big band Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos (OJDM) recorded Our Secret World with Kurt Rosenwinkel, the virtuoso guitarist from Philadelphia. A 2021 reunion concert recorded 4 tunes released now as a short album, or EP. Live performances are available on a YouTube video playlist. 🎸 🎺 🎷

Kurt Rosenwinkel, one of the world's top jazz guitarists, has released >25 albums and has credits on almost 150 albums since 1991.  website ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs.

A post below is about two 2024 OJDM releases, with band info. A song from Músicas Brasileiras, Músicos Portugueses earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Arrangement. Farol: Musica de Carlos Azevedo is just plain fun.

Kurt Rosenwinkel & Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos, Our Secret World - Live At Cara, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp ; YouTube videos playlist.

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

The original studio recording released in 2010 has 3 tunes not on the reunion EP. This was Kurt's 9th album as a leader. "....Our Secret World....has....the perfect combination of: compellingly unique source material; arrangers who dig....into the spirit and essence of the music to turn out charts of....great complexity and depth; and a clearly talented ensemble." John Kelman/AllAboutJazz. Album Wikipedia ; Discogs.

Kurt Rosenwinkel & Orquestra Jazz De Matosinhos, Our Secret World, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

Kurt and OJDM perform the tune 'Zhivago' from their 2010 collaboration.   😎

Kenny Wheeler: Legacy - 'Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores' & Big Band - 'The Long Waiting'

The 5th 2025 release posted is a tribute album, with an album from the tributee.... 🎺

Nick Smart conducts the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) Jazz Orchestra from the UK, and John Daversa leads the University of Miami’s Frost Jazz Orchestra for one tune, in this album of recently discovered charts by Kenny Wheeler. These bands are augmented by Wheeler devotees and associates: pianist Shelly Berg;  trumpeters John Daversa, Ingrid Jensen, Etienne Charles, Nick Smart, Brian Lynch; saxophonists Evan Parker, Chris Potter; singer Norma Winstone.

"While the historical importance of these compositions is clear, the real magic of Some Days Are Better comes from the energy and depth the young musicians of the Academy and Frost ensembles bring to the table. Their passion, commitment, and feel for Wheeler’s music infuses these scores with fresh life, showing that his music is just as vibrant and timeless as ever." Tim Larsen/JazzViews.

Nick Smart is head of the Jazz Program at RAM, which is part of the University of London. This appears to be their 1st 'jazz orchestra' release. The Academy has a music label, which releases a wide variety of classical albums. Discogs. This is Nick's ~4th release since ~2006, and he recorded in Kenny Wheeler's big band. Website (old) ; Discogs.

A post below is about and gives more info on John Daversa and the Frost Jazz Orchestra and their 2024 album Historic Landmarks Of Miami: Live At Gusman Concert Hall 2024, and their 2023 album Live At Gusman Concert Hall 2023, with a video.   

Kenny Wheeler was a trumpeter/composer/arranger/bandleader, and big band and avant-garde stalwart. He had >80 releases and collaborations from ~1968 - 2014. Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs.

Kenny Wheeler Legacy, Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp. 

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

Here's a Kenny Wheeler Big Band album, from 2012, that has Nick Smart in the trumpet section. "For this session, Wheeler's charts are performed by a 17-piece big band.... Wheeler's expressive flügelhorn has a slightly dissonant, fragile sound that is very much his own, while his works are full of moving ensemble passages and superb individual solos." Ken Dryden/Allmusic. Album Discogs.  😎

Kenny Wheeler Big Band, The Long Waiting, full album: YouTube ; Spotify 

Brad Goode Polytonal Big Band - 'The Snake Charmer'

A 4th 2025 release.  😁

"Trumpeter Brad Goode leads a strong and classy 16 team big band through a mix of originals and standards, all conducted under John Davis’ baton. The charts keep your interest, and the band has it’s own signature sound." George Harris/JazzWeekly.

Chicago/Colorado based Brad Goode, who plays trumpet, bass & drums, has recorded with Red Rodney, Eddie Harris, Ira Sullivan, Curtis Fuller, Jack DeJohnette, Rosemary Clooney, Richie Cole, Woody Herman and Ernie Watts, among others. Brad is also an educator at the University of Colorado, the state where the album was made. He's released ~20 albums across 4 decades. Brad's website ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs.

Brad Goode Polytonal Big Band, The Snake Charmer, full album: YouTube ; Spotify 

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

The band plays the album opener 'Goose Chase.' 4 more album tune videos are available at Brad's YouTube channel.  😎

Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra - 'Vida'

Here's the 3rd 2025 release posted. 😁

"....brisk and demanding ensemble passages are blended throughout, buttressed by bright and impressive solos, all in the finest big-band tradition. Vianna's well-honed ensemble readily conquers every one of them, regardless of tone, tempo or tenor." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal guests on the 1st tune. Album Discogs.

This is composer/arranger/bandleader Cassio Vianna's 3rd album since 2011, 2nd with the orchestra. Cassio is director of Jazz Studies at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, and this album is a PNW product. Cassio composes and arranges all the album music. Cassio's Website ; Discogs.

Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra, Vida, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

The band performs the energetic album tune 'Scrabble':

Cassio's 1st big band album was 2017's Infância (childhood). Musicians from Colorado, USA, were used in the orchestra. "Vianna's 17-piece orchestra is letter-perfect, the soloists....poised and resourceful. Add Vianna's admirable charts, blend with care and Infância is an unequivocal winner." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs. 

Cassio Vianna Jazz Orchestra, Infância, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

 

Cassio directs the Pacific Lutheran Jazz Ensemble in the album tune 'For The Rise Of A New Day.' 😎

Mercer Hassy Orchestra - 'Duke’s Place'

"Hassy and company have done well by the Duke, aligning and updating his music for a new generation of listeners who may be more attuned to change and eager to reassess the wizardry of Ellington." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs.

This 2024 release is Japanese pianist/bandleader/composer/arranger Mercer Hassy's ~4th big band or orchestral album since ~2019. The big band is based in Sapporo. Website ; Website2

Mercer Hassy Orchestra, Duke’s Place, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

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

Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra - 'Innuendo' & 'Conspiracy'

"Saxophonist Tobias Hoffmann conducts a large jazz orchestra through a series of original charts. The five reeds, 9 brass and four rhythm teams are tighter than a hipsters skinny jeans." George Harris/JazzWeekly. 

This 2024 release follows the orchestra's 2022 debut album Conspiracy, and Tobias led a 2019 nonet release Retrospective. Tobias' website ; Discogs.

Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra, Innuendo, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

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

Might as well give ya the links for the 2022 album also. "Hoffman has his own singular voice, one that is well-suited to the contemporary scene, as it uses complex and sophisticated harmonies and rhythms in the service of music that is both resourceful and pleasing." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. Discogs.

Tobias Hoffmann Jazz Orchestra, Conspiracy, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

This is on the Big Band 2022 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

The orchestra plays the title tune from the new album. A cool one.

And the album closer. A hotter one. 😎

Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra - 'Tenor Madness,' 'Live From Nashville' & 'Colorado Brew'

Baritone saxophonist/composer/arranger/educator Ryan "Middagh’s arrangements reflect a deep respect for jazz’s big band legacy, blending swing-era traditions with post-bop expression.... Each of the six tracks offers us a journey that celebrates tradition, spontaneity, and the personalities within the ensemble." Nolan DeBuke/TheJazzWord.

Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra, Tenor Madness, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish. 

This is Ryan's 3rd ~big band album, and one with an octet, since 2010. 2019s Live From Nashville features vocalist Keb’ Mo’, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon and saxophonist Jeff Coffin, who is also on the new album, and his album Only The Horizon was featured in a post below. Ryan's website.

Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra, Live From Nashville, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

This is on the Big Band 2019 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

He did a 2013 album as a result of his dissertation while at the University of Northern Colorado. "This project is part of Ryan's Doctoral Jazz work and features his old friends and mentors Jeff Coffin and drummer Tom Giampetro. They join a highly skilled student ensemble performing a set of tunes honoring Colorado's fine craft beers. Pop a cold one and sit back and enjoy the irrepressible joy inspired by their presence!" Soundcloud. This is a little-big-band.

Ryan Middagh, Colorado Brew, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

"This project is part of Ryan's Doctoral Jazz work and features his old friends and mentors saxophonist Jeff Coffin and drummer Tom Giampetro joining a highly skilled student ensemble performing a set of tunes honoring Colorado's fine craft beers. Pop a cold one and sit back and enjoy the irrepressible joy inspired by their presence!"

Ryan's orchestra performs 4 tunes from the Live in Nashville album. The 1st is 'Move Your Rug'.

The 2nd is 'Dolphin Dance,' a Herbie Hancock tune.

 The 3rd is 'Don't Push'.

The 4th is 'The Commissioner' and features trombonist Wycliffe Gordon.

The Nashville big band jazz scene thrives, apparently. A post below is about the Chris McDonald Jazz Orchestra's It’s About Time, also based in the city. 😎

Michael Dease - 'Found In Space'

Gregg Hill is a 78 year old Central Michigan pianist/composer/arranger who is amidst a late life artistic surge that has produced 15 albums of his music since 2017, in various orchestrations. Here he arranges an album led by trombonist Michael Dease with 10 more players. Gregg's website ; Discogs.

"The highly acclaimed Dease has put an absolute stamp of approval on Hill's work.... Sharel Cassity is a highlight throughout the album on both alto saxophone and flute.... The inexhaustible energy of Hill is not to be denied." Paul Rauch/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs.

Michael Dease, also on baritone sax, is joined on woodwinds by Sharel Cassity, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Jason Hainsworth and Virginia MacDonald, with trumpeter Matt White, trombonist Nanami Haruta, pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Katie Thiroux, drummer Colleen Clark and percussionist Gwendolyn Dease.

This is Michael's ~14th album since 2007. He did more Gregg Hill music with a smaller ensemble on his 2023 album The Other Shoe. He is featured guest on OSU Jazz Orchestra - Solid Gold, in a post below. Michael's website ; Discogs ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic.

Michael Dease, Found In Space, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

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

Here's an in-studio performance of the album tune 'The Stray Moonduck.'  😎

Allison Miller & The One O'Clock Lab Band - 'Big & Lovely'

The first post for a 2025 release is from that wonderful jazz program that helps keep the flame alive. The University of North Texas (UNT) and its One O'Clock Lab Band performs songs by and with drummer Allison Miller.

"I couldn’t be more thrilled to have collaborated with Alan Baylock and the prestigious One O’Clock Lab Band on this project. It just felt right from the very beginning and I am immensely grateful to the talented students for their hard work, passionate energy, and exemplary performance on this album!" 

Allison has released >15 albums since 2004. She began her jazz career as a big band drummer at age 14, and her recording career with singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco in the late 90s. She now leads her own band 'Boom Tic Boom,' and guests on many sessions. Website ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs.

A post below is about the One O'Clock Lab Band's album Lab 24, with more info about the band and a video with Allison.

Allison Miller And The One O'clock Lab Band, Big & Lovely, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

UNT has a Two O'Clock Lab Band as well, and their 2021 album Long Way On A Blues earned a post below, with more info on that band.

Allison and the band perform the fun title track.

That was so nice, here's another tune.

Might as well post all of these concert tunes. One more at the previously mentioned post below. 😎

Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra - 'OR 手術劇院'

"The album is a collection of engaging tone poems with pungent orchestral writing for brass, especially trombones. The virtuosity of the writing demands and receives similar virtuosity from the players. This is an album from an eloquent new voice that has much to say." Jack Kenny/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs.

"Born and raised in Taiwan, Tracy Yang has established herself as a composer, musician, and cross-discipline artist in NYC since 2013. Recognized with the Charlie Parker Jazz Composition Prize." This is her 2nd album, first with the orchestra. Website ; Discogs.

Tracy Yang Jazz Orchestra, OR 手術劇院, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

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

The orchestra plays a nice, introspective album tune.  😎

Del Sasso Big Band - 'Chick Corea's "Three Quartets" Revisited' & 'Le Carnajazz Des Animaux'

Here's 2 really nice 2024 albums by a French big band.

"Under the expert guidance of the arranger, Christophe Dal Sasso, his big band (Voted France’s best jazz orchestra in 2020) revisits the legendary album, featuring in the footsteps of the late Michael Brecker, three exceptional saxophonists: David El-Malek, Stéphane Guillaume and Rick Margitza. A lively and spectacular tribute to the pianist who passed away in 2021."

Del Sasso Big Band, Chick Corea's "Three Quartets" Revisited, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

Chris and his big band also released "Le Carnaval des Animaux, a comic musical suite composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1886.... The work consists of 14 short movements, each representing a different animal, and Saint-Saëns uses music to illustrate the characteristics of each animal.... So, in this brilliant latest version by maestro arranger Dal Sasso and his acolytes, it’s humor and lightness ... that characterize this work." Jacques Pauper/ColeursJazz.

Del Sasso Big Band, Le Carnajazz des Animaux, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

This is the ~6th album from the band since 2004, but Spotify/Dal Sasso Big Band is the only place I found them all listed together. Neither Chris's website nor Discogs are updated, so Facebook.

Both are on the Big Band 2024 and Jazz Best Albums 2024 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

The band performs a tune from Chick Corea...  😎

Norman David And The Eleventet - 'Intention'

"The band ... has a performing home ... in Philadelphia, and has released about half a dozen superb albums, all featuring David's compositions and bearing his unique soprano saxophone soloing and sophisticated style of composing and arranging which allows the musicians to play charts and improvise at very high levels, each with his own imprint." Victor Schermer/AllAboutJazz. 

The Eleventet is based in and plays regularly around Philadelphia, USA. This is their 6th album since ~ 2015. website.

Norman David And The Eleventet, Intention, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

Another Philadelphia big band album, the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra - Vinyl Brews, was recommended just a few posts below.

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

Hendrik Meurkens &: CCCN Jazz Orchestra - 'Big Band Brasil'; WDR Big Band - 'Samba Jazz Odyssey'

Big band jazz and... harmonica? It works! Hendrik Meurkens leads 2 bands through 2 joyful albums. His 2024 album is with Costa Rica's CCCN Jazz Orchestra, led by drummer Carlomagno Araya. Album Discogs.

Hendrik has >30 releases, and this appears to be the 1st for the orchestra. His website ; Discogs ; Allmusic. CCCNJO website. Araya's Discogs. Hendrik's recent ~quintet release is The Jazz Meurkengers -- ya gotta love it. 😁

Hendrik Meurkens & CCCN Jazz Orchestra, Big Band Brasil, full album: YouTube (one big file) ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

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

Here's his 2022 album. "Combine Meurkens' superb playing and writing with Mossman and Franzetti's dazzling charts, flawlessly performed by the marvelous WDR Big Band, and you have the complete package. To put it another way, Latin-flavored big-band jazz simply doesn't get much better than this." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs.

The WDR Big Band is a project of WDR Broadcasters in Cologne, Germany. They have released >75 albums since 1979. YouTube channel (please subscribe); website ; Discogs. Type "WDR" into the search box for alotta WDR Big Band album recommendations.

Hendrik Meurkens & The WDR Big Band, Samba Jazz Odyssey, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

This is on the Big Band 2022 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

Hendrik leads the WDR Big Band in a tune from their album. 😎

Bill Frisell - 'Orchestras' & Henry Mancini - 'The 100th Sessions...'

The 2025 Grammy Awards are Sunday, 2 February. Besides the category of Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, jazzy orchestrations were nominated in 2 other categories.

Jazz guitarist Bill Frisell received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Orchestras, a live album with Alexander Hanson, the Brussels Philharmonic, Rudy Royston & Thomas Morgan. Bill has a Grammy, and this is his 8th nomination. Bill had a good year, as he also earned a nomination for the album Owl Song, which he co-led with trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and drummer Herlin Riley, for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Bill Frisell, Orchestras, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

A jazzy tribute to composer Henry Mancini at the Hollywood Bowl had a tune nominated for Best Arrangement Of An Instrumental. Michael League arranged his tune "Baby Elephant Walk - Encore", for his band Snarky Puppy (SP), a rather large jazz fusion ensemble. League has 5 Grammys with SP and this is his 8th nomination.

Henry Mancini, The 100th Sessions: Henry Has Company, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

These are on Big Band 2024 at Spotify/JazzTodayish.  😎

Orrin Evans And The Captain Black Big Band - ‘Walk A Mile In My Shoe’

This was nominated for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album at the upcoming 2025 Grammy Awards.

This is a vocal-based big band album. "As he has always done in the past Orrin Evans, the pianist and bandleader from Philadelphia, is inspired by tradition to renew and enrich, with passion and freshness. This time the orchestrations are functional to the interpretations of four prodigious singers who are divided into seven out of nine songs: Lisa Fischer, Bilal, Joanna Pascale and Paul Jost ." Angelo Leonardi/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs.

This is Evans' ~5th  Captain Black Big Band (CBBB) album since ~2011, and 3 earned Grammy nominations! Orrin has ~13 more total albums, since 2000. Evans' website ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs. CBBB Discogs.

Orrin Evans And The Captain Black Big Band, Walk A Mile In My Shoe, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

This is on the Big Band 2024 playlist at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.

Here's a mellow album tune with singer Paul Jost. 😎

Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra - 'Things Will Pass' & 'Ee-Ya-Gi (Stories)'

"'A master musician who weaves dreams into vivid sonic landscapes, and turns sorrow and loss into enduring and endearing art.' That those landscapes traverse the musical terrain from the U.S. to Korea is icing on an already appetizing cake." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. Album Discogs.

South Korean composer/arranger/bandleader Hyeseon Hong has arranged and fronted big bands in NYC for ~10 years now, and this 2024 release is her 2nd album. Discogs. No website, so Facebook.

Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra, Things Will Pass, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

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

Her 2017 debut Ee-Ya-Gi (Stories) is a joy also. Trumpeter Ingrid Jenson guests, and saxophonist Rich Perry is featured on both albums. Album Discogs. 😎

Hyeseon Hong Jazz Orchestra, Ee-Ya-Gi (Stories), full album: YouTube

Big Band 2024 still - 10 Albums

These are some 2024 big band/orchestral jazz releases that I won't get a chance to do a complete post on. Some are well-known jazz names. Generally less boisterous than my favorites, but might be right-up-your-alley, as they say. All are definitely worth a listen. 🎷

The goal is to at least mention all ~108 albums (hours) on Big Band 2024 at Spotify/JazzTodayish. 

The Danish Radio Big Band, XL-LX, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp (5 suites by 5 jazz composers, 1.75 hours, 5 vinyl records)

Herb Alpert, 50, full album: YouTube ; Spotify (Smooth jazzin' his formula for a 50th album, his 2013 and 2016 albums earned a Grammy & a nomination, and he owns one of Los Angeles' top jazz clubs. 😁)

Geoffrey Keezer, Open During Construction, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

Mosaic, Where We Are Now, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

 Danilo Perez & Bohuslan Big Band, Lumen, full album: YouTube ; Spotify

Geof Bradfield, Colossal Abundance, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

 John Hollenbeck & NDR Big Band, Colouring Hockets, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

Chris Muller Big Band, Turning Thoughts, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp
 

Sointi Jazz Orchestra, J​ä​ä​hyväiset, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp

Terry Waldo & The Gotham City Band, Treasury, Vol. 1, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp 😎