Big Band - what is it and what are the big bands?

The article is dedicated to such a jazz band as a big band. The main characteristic of the orchestra is given, such styles as bebop, swing, fusion are considered. Also you will find out what big bands existed and the names of their leaders.

Jazz big band. What it is?

The literal translation of this phrase is a large orchestra. This is one of the distinguishing features of a jazz orchestra, which is characterized by a certain composition of instruments. The main role is assigned to a group of wind instruments. Among the specific features of the big band, it is necessary to note the following:

• Separation of instrumental groups, which are commonly referred to as "sections".
• The special technique of the ensemble's play: the interweaving of improvisations of soloists with arranged sections, as well as the use of non-standard types of orchestral accompaniment (background).
• Mixing bright contrasting timbres, which causes associations with collage and mix sounds.
• Uneven rhythmic pulsation, constant shifts of accents, which is a very complex element of performance.

The number of musicians - from ten to twenty people. The most often big band comes out in such instrumental composition: five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and a rhythm group (guitar, bass, piano, percussion). The following groups of tools are assumed:

• Section saxophones - reads.
• Brass sections of brass instruments.
• Rhythm sections.
• Woodwind sections - Woods.
• String group.

Here is the main characteristic of such an orchestra, as a big band. Swing, bebop, fusion are three different jazz styles, which will be discussed below.

The main characteristic of the jazz style bebop

A variety of this style was formed by the beginning of the 40s. Its exact name is bop. And already derivatives of this word (bebop, bibap, ribab) have become widely used in everyday life. All of them are directly connected with the practice of the scat-vocal and have an onomatopoeic genesis. Another one of its name is Mintons-style. Its origin derives from the term Harlem Club (Minton's Playhouse). In this club the musicians-founders of the bebop acted. This style (bop) appeared as an experimental direction after swing.

The main trends that characterize the style of bop:

• Modernization of old hot jazz.
• The presence of independent solo improvisation.
• Innovation in the field of musical expressive means (rhythms, melodies, textures, harmony, tempo, timbre and others).

Swing is an expressive tool in jazz

In translation from English (swing) means swing, swing. The word swing is used in two meanings, as an expressive jazz medium and as a style.

Swing as an expressive jazz medium is a specific kind of metrorhythmic pulsation, formed on endless rhythmic deviations (both delayed and outstripping) from the strong parts of the ground-bit. In this regard, there is a feeling of enormous internal energy, which is in a state of unstable equilibrium. An effect of a kind of "waggling" of the sound mass, an unstable metric base, is created. For swing as an expressive means metrorhythmic conflicts are characteristic.

Swing as a style of orchestral jazz

Appeared in the period 20-30-ies as a result of combining Europeanized and Negro style styles of jazz in music. Initially, he was represented by a big band, and already towards the end of the 30s music in this style was performed by combos (chamber ensembles). Characteristic features of the style:

• Peculiar pulsation, which causes direct associations with "swinging".
• Special combination of solo improvisation with sectional technique of the game.
• Original timbre color.
• Significant role of composition and arrangement.

Not everyone knows what a big-band swing is. This is the result of the development and expansion of the Chicago style.

Characteristics of Fusion style

In English fusion means fusion, alloy. Fusion is a style of modernity. This kind of style appeared in the 70s on the basis of jazz rock, as well as combining elements of non-European folklore and European academic music.

Music style fusion, mainly, is instrumental in nature. It is usually distinguished by complex metrorhythmic features and time signature. Listeners of Europe, Japan and South America are fans and true connoisseurs of this style of music.
In Russia, one of the first performers was the group "Arsenal" (founded in 1973) with the participation of Alexei Kozlov. In 1974, under the leadership of Georgiy Garanyan, the first album, entitled "Labyrinth. Jazz compositions "in the style of jazz-fusion.

What were the big bands?

The process of the appearance of big bands and their popularity have not always been equally.
For example, Benny Goodman's orchestra enjoyed excessive popularity and high demand from the public, who did not even realize that this big band originated with the help of other orchestras that existed before. This orchestra was based on the colossal experience and support of the big band Fletcher Henderson. Such a path was followed by such musicians as:

• Artie Shaw;
• Bob Crosby;
• Jimmy Dorsey;
• Harry James.

In the late 30's, the Glenn Miller Orchestra was very popular. His creator was a trombonist, who for a long time studied the basics of the arrangement. He used a number of innovations. One of them is a crystal chorus.

The Big Baissie Big Band was formed in the 30s in Kansas City, and it was finally formed in New York. Basie, who honored jazz traditions, was able to achieve a perfect swing and powerful sound. In this orchestra, the presence of the stylistic devices that are characteristic of the big band is clearly felt. Among them is worth noting the following:

• Question-answer form.
• Interaction orchestral sections.
• The use of orchestral riffs.

Orchestra of Duke Ellington. The group leader united several talents: band leader, pianist, composer, painter. He managed to make an individual sound combining elements of orchestration of academic music and traditionally jazz techniques.

Thus, the big band has its own characteristic and distinctive features, a certain composition of musicians and instruments. There are different jazz styles: swing, bebop, fusion. The process of the appearance of big-bands and their popularity were not always equal. The big bands were Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington.