Last month, as a way of introducing readers to some noteworthy big bands they may have overlooked, we presented a list of 20 of the more accomplished contemporary ensembles within the continental United States. Now, as promised, it is time to turn the spotlight on other countries and direct our attention toward a number of outstanding big bands from Europe, Canada and South America (there are no ensembles from Asia, Africa or Australasia on the list, primarily because recordings from those parts of the world are so difficult to acquire, although we will mention a few at the end of this essay). As before, the bands are listed in alphabetical order.

1. Banda Mantiqueira (Brazil). Only one disc so far but it received a well–deserved Grammy nomination as best Latin Jazz album in ’97 (losing to Roy Hargrove’s Crisol). This band balances Latin and Jazz elements better than any I’ve heard including the more widely known United Nation Orchestra. The charts are luminous, the interpretations exemplary. The disc, Aldeia, is on the ACT label, but is unnumbered.

2. Big Band Süd (Austria). On its first release (Meet Big Band Süd, Jazzette 5200), the band was subordinated to its guest performers — Art Farmer, Bob Brookmeyer and Toots Thielemans. Farmer and his flumpet are on board for the sequel (Remember, BBSCD 9501) but director Sigi Feigl’s ensemble is more prominently featured here on a disc whose excellent charts were written by Frank Mantooth. It’s a solid band all around with fine musicianship and admirable solos where required.

3. Bohuslän Big Band (Finland). Another hard–to–find big band, but well worth the effort. On its most recent release (Blue Pearl, Phono Suecia 97) the band plays the music of pianist Lars Jansson, and delightful music it is. The 18–member ensemble employs some of the country’s finest musicians, and it shows. Section work is muscular and precise, solos sharp and arresting. On an earlier release (Pegasus, Imogena 050) the ensemble presents the music of another splendid pianist/composer, Jukka Linkola. Again, the music is consistently rewarding. While these are the only CDs by Bohuslän that I’ve been able to find, there may be others.

4. Danish Radio Jazz Orchestra (formerly the Danish Radio Big Band). Without question Denmark’s most accomplished big band, ably conducted by the veteran Ole Kock Hansen. The band changed its name in 1994, and has recorded at least once since then (Live at Copenhagen Jazz House, Olufsen 5355, with special guest composer/pianist Jan Kaspersen). The band has a number of corking good soloists including trumpeter Henrik Bolberg; trombonists Vincent Nilsson and Steen Hansen; saxophonists Uffe Markussen, Tomas Franck, Jan Zum Vohrde and Flemming Madsen; guitarist Chico Lindvall and its own fine pianist, Nikolaj Bentzon. Other discs include Suite for Jazz Band (Hep 2051 with guest conductor Ernie Wilkins); Live at Montmartre, Copenhagen (Storyville 4172 with guest soloist/composer/arranger Thad Jones); The Great One (Dacapo 9424, playing the music of Thad Jones); A Little Bit of Duke (Dacapo 9420 with guest saxophonist Jesper Thilo); and Talk of the Town (Danish Radio DOCD 5158 with guest conductor Ib Glindeman leading the band through a number of well–known Jazz standards including “Ray’s Idea,” “Zoot,” “Disc Jockey Jump,” “Royal Blue” and Gerry Mulligan’s “Young Blood”).

5. Dankworth Generation Band (Great Britain). The ensemble got off to a rather uneven start with its debut recording, Nebuchadnezzar, but came back strong with its second, Rhythm Changes. Its co–leaders are the well–known and highly respected alto saxophonist (and husband of singer Cleo Laine), John Dankworth, and their son, bassist Alec. In addition to the Dankworths, the band’s topnotch soloists include reedmen Andy Panayi and Tim Gardner, trumpeters Gerard Presencer and Guy Barker, trombonist Mark Nightingale and pianist Robin Aspland. Nebuchadnezzar (Jazz House 029) has its moments, but Rhythm Changes (Jazz House 047) is by far the more persuasive of the two. Both were recorded live at the late Ronnie Scott’s nightclub in London. An excellent band.

6. Freeflight The Big Band (Canada). Bob Shaw’s Toronto–based ensemble made a spectacular recording debut in ’96 with First Flight (Unity 152) and plans soon to return to the studio to have another go at it. Among its more prominent members is trumpeter John MacLeod, a longtime stalwart with Rob McConnell’s Boss Brass, who wrote three of the eight captivating tunes on First Flight and arranged five. Also on the bill of fare are superior arrangements by trombonist Russ Little of Benny Golson’s “Killer Joe” and Horace Silver’s “Doodlin’.” A first–class ensemble with soloists to match.

7. Joe Haider Jazz Orchestra (Germany). Our first encounter with pianist Haider’s volatile ensemble was a tornadic session appropriately titled Keep Hot (Jeton 575/00154) whose guest artist was the peerless big–band drummer Mel Lewis. The album was recorded in 1986 and may now be out of print. But if you can find a copy, you’re in for a special treat. Kick–started by Lewis, the band fairly roars through six marvelous charts, four of which were arranged by Haider, one by Slide Hampton and the other by one of the ensemble’s electrifying soloists, trumpeter Bert Joris. Other soloists receiving high marks include trumpeter Allan Botschinsky; saxophonists Ted Nash, Andy Scherrer and Roman Schwaller; trombonist Bart van Lier, bassist Thomas Stabenow and Haider himself. In ’92, Haider and Joris joined forces to front the Anniversary Big Band, assembled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Swiss Jazz School at Berne. Schwaller and Scherrer are also on hand, as is the school’s music director, the superb alto saxophonist George Robert (who solos on Haider’s “It Only Happens Every Time”). As on Keep Hot, everything on this live concert recording is first–rate. The complete title is Joe Haider–Bert Joris Anniversary Big Band ’92, and it’s on the JHM (Joe Haider Music) label, No. 3603.

8. Rob McConnell/Boss Brass (Canada). Easiest choice on the list. The Boss Brass, Canada’s foremost Jazz ensemble for more than three decades, keeps rolling along with album after superior album of glorious and well–played music. McConnell does most of the arranging, and he is among the best anywhere in that department. He also plays a mean valve trombone, and employs such other topnotch soloists as saxophonists Moe Koffman, John Johnson, Alex Dean and Rick Wilkins; trumpeters Steve McDade, John MacLeod, Kevin Turcotte and flugelmeister Guido Basso; trombonist Alistair Kay, pianist David Restivo and the sure–fingered guitarist, Ed Bickert — not to mention the many other superlative musicians who’ve helped keep the Brass cookin’ over the years including Don Thompson, Terry Clarke, Arnie Chycoski, Lorne Lofsky, Gene Amaro, Steve Wallace, Ian McDougall, Jimmy Dale and Jerry Toth. While I probably don’t have everything the Boss Brass has recorded, I do have most of its CDs. Here they are, starting with the most recent and working backward: Play the Jazz Classics (Concord 4784); Even Canadians Get the Blues (Concord 4722); Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Concord 4661); Overtime (Concord 4618); Our 25th Year (Concord 4559); Brassy and Sassy (Concord 4508); The Brass Is Back (Concord 4458); Boss Brass and Woods (Impulse! 5982, featuring Phil Woods); Atras da Porta (Impulse! 42123); Live in Digital (Sea Breeze 106); All in Good Time (Sea Breeze 105); Present Perfect (MPS 823 543); The Jazz Album (Sea Breeze 2080); Big Band Jazz, Vol. 1 (PAUSA 7140). There was also a Vol. 2 of Big Band Jazz on PAUSA, now almost certainly unobtainable.

9. Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra (Canada). Trombonist McMurdo, who spent some quality time with the Boss Brass in the late ’70s and early ’80s (and was on the Grammy–winning album All in Good Time), now has a powerhouse big band of his own, and it is fast developing into one of Canada’s most proficient ensembles. The band has recorded four times, the most recent of which is a marvelous two–disc set, Fire and Song (Sackville 5004), set down live at Toronto’s Montreal Bistro, as were the previous two. The band is solid from stem to stern with a number of ex–Boss Brass stalwarts in the lineup along with other topnotch players from the Toronto area. Fans will recognize and appreciate such names as Pat LaBarbera, Don Thompson, Alex Dean, Don Englert, Mark and Terry Promane, Chase Sanborn, Reg Schwager, Kevin Turcotte and their seasoned colleagues. The other recordings: Different Paths (Sackville 2034); Live at the Montreal Bistro (Sackville 2029); and The Dave McMurdo Jazz Orchestra (Innovation Records 8-6364). All are warmly recommended.

10. The Metropole Orchestra (The Netherlands). Here’s a BIG band with the usual brass, reeds and rhythm augmented by a string section to add a more classical, chamber Jazz ambiance. The Metropole has recorded a series of discs with guest artists from the U.S. and elsewhere including Clark Terry, George Robert, Claudio Roditi, Bobby Shew and Harvey Wainapel, among others, most of which were presided over by the band’s long–time music director/arranger, Rob Pronk. Metropole’s most recent release, Eindhoven Concert (Azica 72206), recorded live in the Netherlands, features Roditi playing compositions and arrangements by bassist Chuck Israels, who is based in Washington state. We say “most recent release” only because the band’s recording with the celebrated trombonist Andy Martin, also on Mons (874 802), doesn’t seem to be available yet (but soon will be, we’re sure). A partial listing of the Metropole Orchestra’s recordings: With George Robert (Mons 876 993); With Claudio Roditi (Mons 874 767); With Bobby Shew (Mons 876 821); With Clark Terry (Mons 874 815); A Tribute to Rogier (LaBianca 13980 with Piet Noordijk).

11. Norrbotten Big Band (Sweden). From Lulea, which is not too far from the Arctic Circle. I’ve heard the band in person (once) and on record (twice), and it’s a good one, although the book may be a bit forward–leaning for some tastes. The band is directed by the well–respected American trumpeter Tim Hagans. Its most recent recording, Future North (no label; they’re still shopping for one), includes his “Future North Suite” and several other interesting numbers. The other disc that I’ve heard (Animations, Phono Suecia 75) features music composed and arranged by Orjan Fahlstrom, most of which is quite agreeable.

12. Franco Piana Big Band (Italy). Trumpeter Piana composed and arranged all the music on Conversation (Penta Flowers 019), the only recording by the band that I’ve heard, and it is outstanding in every respect. Piana placed within the big band his sextet (including brother Dino, a dead ringer for Rob McConnell on valve trombone, and the superb trumpeter, Oscar Valdambrini) and fashioned half a dozen luminous charts to showcase the ensemble and smaller group. The purposeful rhythm section (Enrico Pieranunzi, piano; Massimo Moriconi, bass; Roberto Gatto, drums) must surely be among that country’s best, and the band as a whole is consistently impressive.

13. RIAS Big Band (Germany). Another of Germany’s splendid “radio bands,” this one dates to the years immediately following World War II (RIAS stands for “Radio in American Sector,” as Berlin was divided in those days among the conquering nations). The band is now conducted by the celebrated trombonist/arranger Jiggs Whigham, and it is under his able direction that the four RIAS discs I have were released, all within the past few years. The most recent, Blue Highways (Azica 72207) is devoted to music by the talented American composer/trombonist Paul Ferguson, and it is highly recommended, as are the others: Allen Farnham Meets the RIAS Big Band (Concord 4789); Destiny: Mark Nightingale (another excellent trombonist) & the RIAS Big Band (Mons 874 793); and Music of the Trumpet Kings (Nagel-Heyer 037 with trumpeter Randy Sandke and tenor saxophonist Harry Allen).

14. Savedalen Big Band (Sweden). I don’t know if Savedalen is still around (I hope so), as the only disc I’ve heard by the band was recorded about nine years ago. But the ensemble makes my Top 20 list basically for one reason, and that is the remarkable musicianship of arranger/tenor saxophonist Erik Norström whose brilliance shines through like 24–carat gold on Before Breakfast (PSFCD 2). Norström solos on eight of nine tracks, and his Getz–like interpretations of “My Old Flame” and “Too Close for Comfort” are by themselves enough to earn a spot on the list. Oh, and the band ain’t bad either (even with three vocals among the nine selections).

15. SDR Big Band (formerly the Erwin Lehn Orchestra), Germany. When I first stumbled across maestro Erwin Lehn’s Südfunk Orchestra a number of years ago, the experience almost blew me away. The acquaintance began with a two–disc set (40 Jahre Jazz, Intercord Records 973.400) celebrating Lehn’s 40 years as leader of the orchestra (he stepped aside in 1991, after which the ensemble was renamed the SDR Big Band). Lehn was the Stan Kenton/Count Basie/Woody Herman of West Germany rolled into one. The Südfunk Orchestra was a swingin’ powerhouse, the equal of almost any band here in the States or elsewhere. A handful of Americans helped man its ramparts over the years including trumpeters Lee Katzman and Don Rader, trombonists Bobby Burgess and Joe Gallardo, and alto saxophonist Herb Geller, but the band’s shining star was Bernd Rabe, one of the world’s greatest unsung alto players (a claim we don’t make lightly). Since Lehn’s departure the orchestra has recorded at least twice that I know of — a two–disc set in 1992 (Intercord 973.401) in which the ensemble was conducted on one disc by Manny Albam, on the other by Rob McConnell, with Geller the featured soloist on both; and My Instrument Is the Orchestra (Intercord 986.987), recorded in 1993 with guest conductor Bill Holman (which introduced his composition, “A View from the Side”). An outstanding big band by any yardstick.

16. Stockholm Jazz Orchestra (Sweden). We haven’t yet heard the best of this band on record, but it has produced a couple of commendable discs, each with an American as guest artist. The first, Jigsaw (Dragon 213), features the compositions and arrangements of pianist Jim McNeely, late of the Phil Woods quintet and currently with the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, who solos on four of its eight tracks. Live at Jazz Club Fasching (Dragon 269) showcases tenor saxophonist Bob Mintzer who leads his own big band here in the U.S. While the orchestra is hardly the center of attraction on either date, it is strong all around with a number of enterprising soloists in its ranks. Good enough to make the list.

17. The Sunday Night Orchestra (Germany). I’ve heard only one recording by this band, but it’s a corker (Mons 874 775, recorded in 1995) with another American, tenor saxophonist Jerry Bergonzi, in the solo spotlight. Dejan Terzic leads and drives the band from the drum kit, and performs remarkably well in both areas, following in the tradition of such other greats as Buddy Rich and Mel Lewis. A solid, hard–blowing ensemble.

18. Trinity Big Band (Great Britain). Again, only one disc available (Bobby Lamb Meets Bob Florence with the Trinity Big Band, Hep 2061) but it’s consistently impressive — as well it should be with guest soloists Florence, Peter King, Mark Nightingale and Kenny Wheeler igniting the fireworks. Actually, Florence solos only on his tune “Trinity Fair,” although he composed and arranged the disc’s first five selections. The others include Bronislaw Kaper’s “Invitation,” George Handy’s “Forgetful,” and two by Don Menza, “Samba de Rollins” and “Collage.” Lamb, a trombonist and veteran of such estimable bands as Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Buddy Rich and Charlie Barnet, directs the massive 26–piece ensemble while doubling as Director of Jazz at Trinity College. The result of his labors are herein evident, and we hope the band is able soon to record again.

19. Klaus Weiss Big Band (Germany). Another drummer–led big band, another that is quite difficult to locate on disc. There are two that I know of, Lightnin’ (Jeton 119/1, recorded in 1984) and Live at the Domicile (ATM 3805, recorded in 1971). The Domicile disc, which includes a lot of funk/rock, features a number of well–known players including tenor saxophonist Don Menza, alto Herb Geller, trombonist Slide Hampton, trumpeter Chuck Findley and guitarist Philip Catherine. Besides soloing, each of them performs with the band. Lightnin’, by far the better of the discs, includes arrangements by Menza, Bill Holman, Francy Boland, Bob Mintzer, Rob Pronk and others, with six Americans in the band (trumpeters Don Rader and Benny Bailey; trombonists Jiggs Whigham, Bobby Burgess and Joe Gallardo; and alto saxophonist Geller). Weiss has at least one more recent recording, A Message from Santa Klaus (Minor Music 801053, recorded in 1995), this one with Germany’s NDR Big Band.

20. Don Weller Big Band (Great Britain). Saxophonist Weller leads an all–star ensemble on Live (33JAZZ 032), and a smashing debut it is. Besides anchoring the reed section, Weller composed and arranged each of the seven well–constructed tunes. Many of those in the band are big–name players in their own right including trumpeter Gerard Presencer; pianist David Newton; saxophonists Peter King, Nigel Hitchcock and Alan Barnes; and trombonists Mark Nightingale and Pete Beachill. Although the recording quality on Live is often a shade below first–rate, the band itself is near–flawless. An easy choice to round out the list.

And now that the list is complete, here are some recommended discs by bands that didn’t quite make the cut:

• Altsys Jazz Orchestra (Canada) — Uncorked (Alternative System Records 6251).
• Bosse Broberg (Sweden) — And the Big Band Sound of Nogenja (Sittel 9240)
• The Rodger Fox Big Band (New Zealand) — Good News (T-Bone 001 with guest trombonist Bill Reichenbach)
• The German Jazz Orchestra — First Take (Mons 847 669)
• Dusko Goykovich Big Band (Germany) — Balkan Connection (enja 9047)
• Monday Night Big Band (Sweden) — Live! (Igmod 040)
• NDR Big Band (Germany) — Joe Pass in Hamburg (ACT 9100); Wizard of Oz Suite and Other Great American Standards (Capri 74070 with guest Phil Wilson)
• Sandvika Storband (Norway) — Come Rain or Come Shine (SS 001 with guests Bobby Shew, Jiggs Whigham)
• Jack Sharpe Big Band (Great Britain) — Roarin’ (Jazz House 016); Catalyst (PRT Records 716)
• Swedish Radio Jazz Group — Greetings and Salutations (Town Crier 520 with guests Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Jon Faddis) Tolvan (Big) Band (Sweden) — The Touch (Pep Pop 0415)
• Stan Tracey and His Orchestra (Great Britain) — We Still Love You Madly (Mole Jazz 13)
• Visby Big Band (Sweden) — Fine Together (Dragon 210 with guest Putte Wickman)
• Dick Walter Band (Great Britain) — Capricorn Rising (Montpellier 004)
• Thilo Wolf Big Band (Germany) — Mr. Grooverix (MDL Jazz 1925); Swing It! (MDL Jazz 1915).

Next month: A look at 20 superlative college and youth bands from around the world.