Big Band Bash

Big Band Bash

Author: Frank Miller Language: English Episodes: 100
Frank Miller hosts Big Band Bash, a journey into the vibrant world of swing and the cultural moment it defined. This isn't just a playlist of classics; it's a deep and affectionate look at the music, the personalities, and the stories that made the big band era so unforgettable. Each episode focuses on a specific thread, perhaps unpacking the legacy of a legendary bandleader like Duke Ellington or Glenn Miller, or exploring a particular theme that shaped the sound from the 1930s through the 1950s. You'll hear the iconic recordings, of course, but you'll also get the context behind them-the rivalries, the innovations, and the social history that this music both reflected and inspired. Tune in to this podcast for a richly detailed portrait of an era, where the driving rhythm of a brass section could lift a nation's spirit. Frank's passion is evident in every carefully curated episode, aiming not just to inform but to make your feet tap along to the timeless energy of the great bands. It's a must-listen for music lovers and history buffs alike, offering a fresh appreciation for the artistry that continues to resonate decades later.
Episodes
Record Labels Part 1 - Decca Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:57
When I was a youngster my dad bought a three record set called The Big Bands. In it were songs that went along with a book by George T. Simon. Each record was devoted to a particular record label. The three labels were D…
Will Bradley and His Orchestra Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:13
I'm back from vacation and have some new programs under way. Here is the first, spotlighting one of my favorite big bands. Will Bradley was a great trombonist who worked with several name orchestras when he was persuaded…
Woody Herman - A 100th Birthday Salute Part 2 Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:57
May 13th is the birthday of Woody Herman and if he were alive today that would have been his 100th birthday. We continue our celebration of his birthday with some of his hits from the 1940's. These are some of my favorit…
Woody Herman - A 100th Birthday Salute Part 1 Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:36
May 13th is the birthday of Woody Herman and if he were alive today that would have been his 100th birthday. To celebrate this milestone we will be playing some of his early recordings made between the years of 1939 and…
Classic Artie Shaw Bluebird and Victor Sessions Part 2 Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:26
I am continuing this week with part two of Classic Artie Shaw Bluebird and Victor Sessions which has selected cuts from the Mosaic Record Company's eight disc set of the same name. The sound quality is great and most of…
Classic Artie Shaw Bluebird and Victor Sessions Part 1 Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:29
In 2011 I bought two 8 disc sets from the Mosaic Record Company. The first was dedicated to the Columbia sides of Benny Goodman which I presented a show on a few weeks ago. The second is what our show today is about. Thi…
Classic Columbia and Okeh BG Orchestra Sessions Part 2 Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:07
This week I am going to continue with part two of the Mosaic box set, The Classic Columbia and Okeh Benny Goodman Orchestra Session 1939 -1957. These are many of the recordings that Benny made during those years and thes…
Classic Columbia and Okeh BG Orchestra Sessions Part 1 Repeat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
This week we will be listening to selections from a Mosaic Record Company set that I have called the Classic Columbia and Okeh Benny Goodman Orchestra Sessions. This is part one of a show I did back in 2012 and repeated…
Metronome Magazine Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:23
This is part two of a program I did on Metronome Magazine. In the issue, there was a section devoted to record reviews. In part one, I started to play many of the records that they were reviewing. We continue with more r…
Benny Goodman A Birthday Salute 2 Remotes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:42
May 30, 1909 is the birthday of bandleader and clarinetist Benny Goodman. Instead of playing some of his hits which I've done in past programs, I would like to play two radio remotes. These were recorded Oct 23 and 27, 1…