What are some of your favorite big band/swing classics & standards? Some of mine include
Moonlight Serenade - A classic in every sense of the word. As beautiful and moving today as the day it was first performed.
Pennsylvania 6-5000 - A great and fun song.
String of Pearls - I've actually had this one stuck in my head all morning
In the Mood - Perhaps second only to Moonlight Serenade as the definitive song of the swing era.
Sing Sing Sing - A close third to In the Mood and Moonlight Serenade as far as how well it has stood the test of time/how well it's remembered.
Caravan - Great song, great rhythm
I like all of those listed above, especially "In The Mood" and my favorite, "Sing, Sing, Sing."
I'd add Artie Shaw's "Begin The Beguine" and Harry James' "I've Heard That Song Before" which was prominent in Woody Allen's
Hannah and Her Sisters.
More Ellington: "Don't Get Around Much Anymore," "Take the A Train," and "I'm Beginning to See the Light."
Benny Goodman's "Stompin' at the Savoy" is another.
I've got quite the big band collection on vinyl.
