Big Band

There are two types of artists which are known as "Big Band": 1) A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with playing jazz music and which became popular during the Swing Era from 1935 until the late 1940s. A big band typically consists of approximately 12 to 19 musicians and contains saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a rhythm section. The terms jazz band, stage band, jazz orchestra, and dance band are also used to refer to this type of ensemble.

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The BBC Big Band, originally known as the BBC Radio Big Band is a British big band run under the auspices of the BBC. It consists of professional jazz musicians and is directed by arranger and composer Barry Forgie, who has been conducting the band on a regular basis since 1977. The band is also directed by a series of guest conductors, most notably American jazz trombonist Jiggs Whigham. Widely regarded as the UK’s leading and most versatile jazz orchestra, the band broadcasts on BBC Radio, particularly on BBC Radio 2's long running series Big Band Special.

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Benny Goodman, born Benjamin David Goodman, (May 30, 1909 – June 13, 1986) was an American jazz musician, known as King of Swing, Patriarch of the Clarinet, The Professor, and Swing's Senior Statesman. Goodman was regarded by some as a demanding taskmaster, by others an arrogant and eccentric martinet. Many musicians spoke of The Ray, Goodman's trademark glare that he bestowed on a musician who failed to perform to his demanding standards.