What Is Big Band? Meaning Of This Jazz Music Genre

What Is Big Band? Meaning Of This Jazz Music Genre

BIG BAND – In this topic, we will now know the meaning and things to know about this ensemble of jazz music called Big Band.

BIG BAND
Image from: WRTI

It it s type of musical group of the jazz music genre which is composed of ten or more musicians with the following four sections:

  • Saxophone
  • Trumpets
  • Trombones
  • Rhythm section

These came from the early 10s and dominated the world of jazz in the 40s, succeeding swing. The term is also utilized to define a genre of music.

This ensemble is used to be the accompaniment for dancing, which is contrary to the usual jazz which focuses on improvisation.

This genre relies on already written composition and arrangements and placed a vital role to bandleaders, arrangers, and sections of instruments. In other words, group and team work are prioritized rather than soloists.

Instruments Used

  • Trunpets
  • Trombones
  • Saxophones
  • Guitar
  • Piano
  • Double Bass
  • Drums

Usual arrangements for this ensemble are written in strophic form (verse-repeating or chorus form where all stanzas are sung to the same music). Thes ame phrase and chord structure are repeated several times.

The first chorus introduces the melody, followed by choruses of development, which takes the form of improvised solos, written soli sections, and “shout choruses”.

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