KCEA Jazz radio

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The Big Bands are back!    

Big bands flourished through the Great Depression (the 1930s). 

During World War II jazz was used to lift the morale of American troops.

It also helped to overcome segregation, because many of the most famous big bands were fully integrated by black musicians or mixed. 

They served to spread some cultural patterns all over the world, along with cinema and cartoons.   
 
Big bands provided some great musical standards. Most important: it is fabulous music.


In the cartoon above, Count Basie, Benny Goodman (middle) and Artie Shaw (at the right, also with the clarinet).

Experience jazz in your life!


Now playing

Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grapelly - Smoke Rings [1935]
Jackie Gleason Orchestra - Misty
Dinah Shore - I Hear A Rhapsody [1941]
Nat King Cole Trio - Straighten Up & Fly Right [1944]
Nat Shilkret - Manhattan Serenade [1928]
The Andrews Sisters - Wake Up & Live [1937]
Alex Mendham Ork (GB) - That's My Weakness Now
The Rhythm Rascals & Sid Phillips (GB) - Sweet Sue Just You [1936]
Dennis Day - The Night Is Young & You're So Beautiful [1952]
Chick Webb & Ella Fitzgerald - If You Only Knew [1938]