Jazz, Vol. 8: Big Bands Before 1935

There is no single kind of music that led to the creation of jazz. Instead, the genre evolved, and continues to evolve, from diverse musical avenues. The best big band jazz orchestration is created from within, not imposed from above, and this collection presents fourteen tracks that demonstrate the developing art of arranging for large ensembles. From Fletcher Henderson’s dance band to Bernie Moten’s regional ensemble, these musicians helped invent a panoply of big band styles.