The Band That Plays The Blues

American jazz ensemble active from 1936 to summer 1944, led by . It is the earliest period of .
When decided to retire in 1936, Herman was the core of the 'hot' fraction of the disbanded orchestra. Together with 8 other musicians of this band, he founded his own orchestra , which became legendary as a source of jazz talents over decades. The Band that plays the blues was still a band playing the tradition of swing big bands.
As the jazz music style was in transition from swing to bebop arrangements, the period of this band ended. It was followed in summer 1944 by with different arrangements and a changed scheme of musicians (The 'Four Brothers' arrangement).