"The Big 18" was a stellar ensemble, an aggregation of jazz luminaries that sprang to life in the late 1950s. It was not so much a band in the traditional sense, but rather a studio supergroup, conceptualized to celebrate and recreate the sounds of the big band era in a contemporary setting. Bringing together an astounding array of musicians, many of whom were alumni from the revered orchestras of Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie, "The Big 18" was an ambitious project helmed by RCA Victor to capture the essence of swing with immaculate fidelity and bristling energy that defined the genre's golden age.

Their work, while limited in volume, left a significant mark on the big band revival landscape. Among their most notable efforts was the 1959 album "Live Echoes of the Swinging Bands," which presented the great arrangements of yesterday with a fresh and dynamic sound that resonated with the hi-fi era of the 50s. Though "The Big 18" shone brightly, their light was brief; however, the group's razor-sharp precision and spirited performances were preserved for posterity. Albums like "The Swing Collection" and remastered compilations like "Golden Selection" allow listeners to continue experiencing the vibrant, timeless quality of their music, maintaining the legacy of a group that functioned as a magnificent tribute to the swing era's legends.

Genres

Swing

Swing Revival

Latest Release

Golden Selection (Remastered)

The Big 18

Album - 18 Tracks - Released September 18, 2020