Originally Posted by robinjessome

Rainbow Connection....as sung by Kermit The Frog? And, as great as Chuck Mangione is, it's probably time for you to start listening to more stuff.

Check out larger ensemble stuff from cats like Duke Ellington, Gil Evans (Evans' collaborations with Miles are astounding), Count Basie, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton... for a more orchestral but intensely hip sound check out Maria Schneider. Also anything by Miles, Monk, Mingus, Coltrane, Wayne Shorter...

With more listening experience you'll start to pick up on what you like; what works; what doesn't work... and (important) why.

Let me know if you want more detailed suggestions or some stuff to listen to.