Experimental Big Band

Experimental big band is an inventive genre that pushes the boundaries of traditional big band music, blending elements of jazz, avant-garde, and free improvisation into a rich, complex sound. Characteristically, it involves large ensembles similar to those found in classic big bands but diverges in its embrace of unconventional structures, atonality, and experimental techniques, creating a vivid, often unpredictable auditory experience. Artists and ensembles such as the Globe Unity Orchestra and Sun Ra Arkestra are seminal in this genre, exploring expansive sonic landscapes that challenge and redefine what big band music can be. Through intricate arrangements, collective improvisation, and a fearless approach to sound creation, experimental big band offers a distinct, immersive listening experience that defies traditional genre boundaries, reflecting the eclectic influences and innovative spirit of its practitioners.

The Cortége Live at the BBC 1980

Mike Westbrook Orchestra

Album - 13 Tracks - Released November 14, 2025