The Sounds of Jazz: The Big Band Pt. 1

Ahoy!

I am currently in my second year of a Masters in Jazz Performance program. As you might expect one of my many requirements is that I play in several ensembles. This year I have the fortune of playing in my college’s top big band. While the big band is no longer a prominent ensemble in society it once shaped an entire generation (the Roaring 20's) and helped push jazz to the forefront of American culture. Today I’d like to begin a discussion about the lineage of the big band and talk about my experience playing in these ensembles, the audition process, and how to schedule and practice for performances.

First, let us clarify what a big band is. It is a jazz ensemble that has a rhythm section (bass, drums, piano and/or guitar), 5 saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors and a baritone), 3-4 trombones, and 3-5 trumpets. The exact number of trumpets and trombones can vary and one trend you’ll notice is that early big bands typically had fewer members in these sections.

There are several other instruments that can be included like clarinet, oboe, flute, and violin. Typically these extra instruments are played by the sax players. This is known as doubling. Saxophonists in big bands need to be well versed in playing clarinet and flute. In many big bands in the 1930’s-40’s it was common for the sax players to also play violin proficiently but this trend has largely fallen off. Some ensembles with big enough budgets won’t have anyone doubling. They will instead hire people to play clarinet, flute, and whatever else the music calls for. In modern jazz, these are often referred to as jazz orchestras while in the early days of this music, big bands in general were referred to as jazz orchestras.

If you are unfamiliar with the sound of big bands, I’ll give you a chance to briefly explore the music. I’ll forgo giving you an album to check out this week and instead, here are several of the most prominent big bands in American history. Next week we’ll continue with the modern big band sound, and my experiences playing in these ensembles.

Until next time,

Heard

Duke Ellington- “Take The A-Train”

Duke is one the most well known jazz figures and one of the United State’s great composers. The Duke Ellington Orchestra help set the standard for what big bands sound like. Not only did he write stand alone works like this particular tune but he also wrote entire suites of music (collections of tunes based on a common theme and performed in order). Such Sweet Thunder is an example of this. It is a collection of 12 pieces and while it does include sections of improvisation, it is composed more like a classical symphony. While “Take the A-Train” doesn’t typically feature vocals, this particular performance gives a good sense of what the ensemble looked like, and how they set up on stage.

Count Basie- “Moten Swing"

Count Basie is another major figure in the big band genre. The Basie rhythm section is hailed as the most swinging rhythm section in all of jazz. The connection between the bass and drums is tight and precise. Another thing to take note of in this performance is the hits in the trumpets and saxophones from 3:31-4:00. It sounds like one person playing. The group is so tight you can’t pick out any one particular instrument; it’s just a wall of sound.

Thad Jones and Mel Lewis- “A Child Is Born”

Another classic big band is the Thad Jones and Mel Lewis Orchestra. In this performance take note of how the piece grows. It starts with the piano playing the melody, then to trumpet and finally at the 2:25 mark the whole band is playing. It’s probably a much subtler sound than you are expecting coming from a big band. 

Benny Goodman- “Sing Sing Sing”

I’ll leave you with this famous number from the Benny Goodman Big Band. Benny Goodman was one of the most famous big bands at the peak of swing music. He played in a time when people actually danced to this music instead of sitting in a concert hall staring at the musicians. His drummer, Gene Krupa, is one of the most famous drummers in jazz particularly because of this tune. If you’re a child of the 1990’s, like myself, you may remember this drum beat being used in the Chips Ahoy! commercials.