Armando Cairo's first playing experience in a big band, was the big band of the musicschool Beverwijk, leader Frank Grasso. After that band he played for some time in the Caledonians.

Finally he managed to get the 2nd tenorchair in the Frank Grasso Big Band.( photo, Armando on the right) This band played the Odeon Theatre every week either friday- or saturday-nights with very fine guest soloists; Chet Baker, Toots Thielemans, Johnny Meyer, John Clayton, John Engels, Martin van Duynhoven, Bart van Lier, Max Teawhistle, Hans Dulfer and many others.

After leaving the Frank Grasso Big Band Armando, together with Adrie Braat (currently leading the Caledonions) and Jaap Koning, founded a new big band: Biggles.

He also played in the Dutch Connection, leader Butch Morris and in the Billy Brooks Big Band. He recorded two C.D.'s with the Billy Brooks BB, the 3rd will be recorded either at the end of 2002 or the beginning of 2003. Since 1986 Armando is leading the Crea Big Band.