Something more along the lines of the traditional 40's-style Big Band. Billy May and His Orchestra, live at the Hollywood Palladium and recorded on December 21, 1953.

May was involved in a number of bands in the 1930's and 40's. Most notably the Glenn Miller Orchestra. As the popularity of the traditional Big Band waned after World War 2, May became a much sought after composer-arranger, working with such luminaries as Frank Sinatra.

Not as bombastic or frantic as Stan Kenton (even though they were label mates on Capitol), May took the tempo down a few notches into what became known as "Bachelor Pad" territory.

This 1953 broadcast is a good introduction if you aren't familiar.

. . .and the pitcher of Martinis is an option.

Over to the Hollywood Palladium tonight for live date by Ray Anthony and his Orchestra.

Big bands were certainly not up to the same level of adoration as the smaller combo's had in the post-World War 2 period, mostly because larger venues were becoming more scarce, the expense of touring and maintaining a large band and the changing Jazz scene made the Big Band a rapidly fading attraction, but they were still the backbone of our musical society as this live broadcast from June of 1953 proves.

Here is Ray Anthony, one of the most popular bands of the early 1950's as he was recorded live at the legendary Hollywood Palladium, one of the few venues of its kind still standing.