New York's Best Little Big Band
New York’s Best Little Big Swing Band
Introducing New York’s Best Little Big Swing Band, a dynamic ensemble that brilliantly captures the exhilarating essence of a big band. With our signature three-horn section, this swinging group delivers the powerful sound of the big band era in a more intimate format. Whether performing with one of our talented guest vocalists or showcasing the pure instrumental brilliance of our musicians, the band promises an unforgettable musical experience.
The term "Big Band" is widely associated with the jazz swing era, which began around 1935. However, the roots of this vibrant music stretch back to the early 20th century, evolving naturally from the blues and jazz traditions of New Orleans, Chicago, and Kansas City. Early jazz flourished in New Orleans, where pioneers like Buddy Bolden and King Oliver performed, with the latter becoming a major influence on Louis Armstrong.
The spread of jazz was significantly aided by Mississippi steamboats, which featured performances by New Orleans jazz bands. In 1917, the Original Dixieland Jass Band's recordings, although performed by white musicians, introduced jazz to a wider audience, selling over a million copies.
By the 1920s, jazz began to incorporate more elaborate arrangements and larger ensembles, blending ragtime, black spirituals, blues, and European influences. This era saw the rise of legendary big bands led by Duke Ellington, Ben Pollack, Don Redman, and Fletcher Henderson, who nurtured future jazz stars like Coleman Hawkins, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller.
New York’s Best Little Big Swing Band honors this rich legacy, bringing the timeless swing era to life with every performance. Prepare to be captivated by the infectious rhythms and extraordinary musicianship that define our unique take on the classic big band sound.
Listening to live or new music also challenges the brain — it has to work to understand a new sound — acting as a workout for the brain. Music improves creativity, memory, alertness, and clarity, and live music has been linked to improved cognitive function in patients with dementia. When looking at subjects’ brain activity in MRI scans, researchers found that music activates more areas of the brain than even language; in fact, in early development, babies start processing music before they can process speech. Studies have shown that listening to music releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which promotes neurogenesis: the growth of new neurons. Essentially, listening to music, recorded or live, keeps your brain young.
People who regularly experience live music boost their creativity and cognitive abilities; reduce stress hormone levels while increasing the production of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin; experience consistent social connection or “collective effervescence; and even live longer (up to nine years longer, in fact).