Big bands have been an important part of jazz music for over a century. They are known for their powerful sound and impressive arrangements, and have been the backbone of many iconic jazz recordings over the years. But exactly what kind of music do big bands play? In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the genre of music played by big bands, exploring its history and evolution over time.
History of Big Band Music
Big bands first emerged in the early 1900s, as jazz music was starting to gain popularity in the United States. The first big band was led by bandleader and composer Fletcher Henderson in the 1920s, and featured a variety of instruments including trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section. This ensemble introduced many of the key elements of the big band sound, including complex arrangements and intricate harmonies.
However, it wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that big bands really took off. This was the era of swing music – a style of jazz characterized by its infectious rhythms and lively melodies. Big bands played a central role in the development of swing, providing the driving force behind many of the genre’s most iconic recordings. The likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman led some of the most popular and innovative big bands of the era, producing countless classic recordings and influencing generations of jazz musicians to come.
The Style and Sound of Big Band Music
So, what exactly does big band music sound like? At its core, big band music is characterized by its powerful sound and dynamic arrangements. With as many as 20 or 30 musicians playing together, big bands have the ability to create a truly massive sound, one that can fill even the largest halls and theaters.
Of course, this sound is only possible thanks to the incredible skill and coordination of the musicians involved. Big band arrangements are often highly complex, with different sections of the ensemble playing intricate parts that come together to create a cohesive whole. This requires a great deal of rehearsal and practice, with each musician needing to have a strong sense of timing, rhythm, and dynamics.
In terms of musical style, big bands are incredibly versatile. While they are primarily associated with jazz music, they can also play a wide variety of other genres, including pop, rock, and even classical music. Some big bands specialize in certain styles of music, such as Latin jazz or bebop, while others are more eclectic in their approach, covering a wide range of musical ground.
Iconic Big Band Recordings
Over the years, big bands have produced countless iconic recordings that have become beloved classics of jazz music. Some of the most famous big band recordings include:
– “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller: This iconic swing tune is perhaps the quintessential big band recording, featuring a driving rhythm, catchy melody, and plenty of horn solos.
– “Take the A Train” by Duke Ellington: This sophisticated, bluesy tune is one of Ellington’s most famous compositions, featuring his signature sophisticated harmonies and intricate arrangements.
– “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Benny Goodman: One of the most famous recordings of the swing era, this lively tune features a blistering drum solo from legendary drummer Gene Krupa.
– “Manteca” by Dizzy Gillespie: This Latin jazz classic features a dynamic horn melody and a driving rhythm section, with Gillespie’s trumpet adding plenty of fire and energy to the mix.
Conclusion
Big band music is one of the most influential and beloved genres of jazz music, having shaped the sound of jazz for over a century. With its powerful sound, intricate arrangements, and dynamic style, big band music is truly a unique and captivating art form. Whether you’re a seasoned jazz fan or a newcomer to the genre, big band music is sure to get your feet tapping and your heart racing.
FAQ
What is the most popular big band group?
When it comes to big band music, there are several historically significant groups. However, for many jazz enthusiasts, the Count Basie Orchestra reigns supreme and is considered the most popular big band of all time.
Founded in 1935 by Kansas City piano legend William “Count” Basie, the group quickly rose to fame for its infectious, swingin’ grooves and virtuosic musicianship. The orchestra’s signature sound hinged on Basie’s liberal use of his left hand to create a percussive “jumps” rhythm that propelled the music forward and kept listeners moving.
Over the years, the Count Basie Orchestra featured some of the most talented jazz musicians of the time, including saxophonists Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins, trumpeter Harry “Sweets” Edison, and singer Joe Williams. The band’s arrangements, some of which were written by Basie himself, others by luminaries like Neal Hefti and Frank Foster, showcased the individual strengths of each musician, creating a collective sound that was greater than the sum of its parts.
Through countless recordings and acclaimed live performances, the Count Basie Orchestra cemented its place in music history as the embodiment of big band jazz. Even today, decades after Count Basie’s death, the orchestra continues to perform and entertain audiences around the world, keeping the tradition of big band alive and well.
What instruments are in a big band?
A jazz orchestra, more commonly referred to as a “big band,” is a type of ensemble that originated in the early 20th century. Big bands typically consist of a core group of 17 musicians: 5 saxophones, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and a rhythm section made up of piano, bass, guitar, and drums. This configuration is popularly known as the “standard” big band formation.
The saxophone section in a big band typically comprises of two altos, two tenors, and one baritone saxophone. The alto saxophone typically plays the lead melody, while the tenor and baritone saxophones play harmony and support. The trumpet section is also an essential component of a big band. It usually plays in unison or in harmony to create a full, vibrant sound. The trombone section adds depth and richness to the music, with the second and third trombones playing harmonies with the lead trombone.
The rhythm section of a big band is made up of piano, bass, guitar, and drums. The piano is responsible for both harmonizing with other instruments and filling the music with chords. The bass usually plays a rhythmic and harmonic role, anchoring the music. The guitar and drums form the rhythm section of the ensemble and provide the beat that other instruments play off. In some big bands, the rhythm section might be expanded to include additional percussion instruments such as a vibraphone.
Finally, some big bands add vibraphone as a part of the rhythm section. Vibraphone is a percussion instrument that looks like a xylophone, but it has metal bars and special resonators to create a unique sound. Adding vibraphone creates a distinctive texture to the music. Other instruments like clarinet, violin, and singers can also be added to the ensemble for additional variety.
Big bands have a distinctive sound that is unique from other jazz groups. The combination of the saxophone, trumpet, and trombone sections, along with the rhythm section, creates the quintessential big band sound. Whether playing swing, Latin, or bebop jazz, big bands have their signature sound of powerful rhythms and harmonies that provide a musical feast for their listeners.
Do big bands still exist?
The big band era, which dates back to the 1930s and 1940s, was a golden age of swing music characterized by large ensembles of instrumentalists and vocalists. This period produced legendary jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman, among others. However, with the decline of the swing era in the late 1940s, many people believe that big bands vanished altogether. But contrary to popular belief, big bands still exist today.
With the exception of a few bands, such as the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, most of the big bands playing swing music on a national scale today are the “ghost bands” of famous bandleaders who are no longer with us. Such bands are run by the estates of musicians like Glenn Miller or Tommy Dorsey and play their hits and arrangements from the 1940s. While it is nice to hear the classic swing music, it is important to know that these bands are considered ghost bands because they do not have the original members of those groups or necessarily remain true to their style or repertoire.
In modern times, big bands and swing music have adapted and evolved with the changing times. Many modern-day big bands perform original compositions, incorporate contemporary elements like electronics and hip-hop, and cross several genres in their music. Younger bands, like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, have successfully blended different styles with a traditional big-band sound. Some modern big bands such as Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Lavay Smith, and Postmodern Jukebox, have brought swing music to new generations of audiences through their popular recordings and live performances.
Furthermore, there are some universities and jazz institutions that have well-known and respected big bands that showcase young musicians and offer them opportunities to play classic and contemporary big band music. These bands include the Berklee College of Music Super Band, the One O’Clock Lab Band from the University of North Texas, and the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra.
Big bands have never truly gone away, but they have evolved and adapted to the changing times. While classic big bands from the swing era may be few, and most have become ghost bands, modern big bands continue to offer new approaches and challenges to this classic genre.
What are band sections?
In a marching band, band sections refer to the different groups of instruments and performers that make up the ensemble. These sections usually include woodwinds (such as flutes, clarinets, and saxophones), brass (such as trumpets, trombones, and tubas), and percussion (such as drums, cymbals, and xylophones).
In addition to these instrumental sections, marching bands may also have color guard sections, which consist of performers who use flags, rifles, and other props to add visual effects to the musical performance. Color guard sections may also include dancers or performers who specialize in other forms of movement.
Each band section is typically led by a section leader, who is appointed by the band director to manage and coordinate the members of their section. The section leader is responsible for ensuring that their section is well-prepared and ready to perform, and for communicating with the band director and other section leaders to ensure that the ensemble as a whole is working cohesively.
The band sections are an essential part of a marching band, working together to create a unified and engaging musical and visual performance for audiences.