[refsherne]

I guess it depends on what part of the Big Band era you're thinking of. There's some great recordings of Basie w/ Walter Page, Freddie Green and Joe Jones. That's from the late 30's early 40's. Come to think of, there's small groups through out the recorded history of Jazz Music. Big Band Era or otherwise. Louis Armstrong, Bix, King Oliver, Benny Goodman, Cozy Cole. There's a handful of pre bebop names w/ small groups.

[irrawnWab]

Well, you missed Artie Shaw's Grammercy Five.

[Injurnerona]

Various small groups made up of members of Duke Ellington's bands have recorded over the decades. Not sure what's currently available – this stuff's constantly going in and out of print - but it's all worth searching for, especially "The Great Ellington Units" on Bluebird - one of the best albums ever issued.

[ayWCZ7VT]

Benny Goodman himself had a series of landmark combo recordings which included the first main man of the electric guitar, the incredible Charlie Christian. These dates often feature Teddy Wilson, or Basie if I remember correctly. Goodman's clarinet playing is really remarkable, and Christian's guitar playing is unbelievably swinging and solid. Cootie Williams plays trumpet on some of those sides too, if I'm not mistaken.

Also, I remember seeing, on Ken Burns' Jazz series, the quartet featuring Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Gene Krupa, and Teddy Wilson, which was baffling. The musicianship and energy in that little clip equalled anything I've ever seen or heard.

Then there's Django's Hot Club of France, which is certainly a combo.

Don't these all count as combos? Am I missing something? I usually am on this forum!