The article is dedicated to such a jazz orchestra as a big band. The main characteristic of the orchestra is given, such styles as bebop, swing, fusion are considered. You will also 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 the group of wind instruments. Among the specific features of the big band, the following should be noted:
- Separation of instrumental groups, which are commonly called "sections".
- A special technique of the ensemble’s play: interweaving improvisations of soloists with arranged sections, as well as the use of non-standard types of orchestral accompaniment (background).
- A mixture of bright contrasting tones, which causes associations with collage and mix sound.
- Uneven rhythmic pulsation, constant shifts of emphasis, which is a very complex element of performance.
The number of musicians is from ten to twenty people. Most often, the big band comes out with such an instrumental composition: five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and a rhythm group (guitar, bass, piano, drums). The following tool groups are expected:
- Saxophone sections - reads.
- Brass instrument sections - breaststroke.
- Rhythm sections.
- Woodwind sections - woods.
- String group.
Here is the main characteristic of such an orchestra as a big band. Swing, bebop, fusion - these are three different jazz styles, which will be discussed below.
The main characteristic of 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, bebap, ribap) have become widely used in everyday life. All of them are directly related to the practice of skate vocals and have onomatopoeic genesis. Another name for it is Mintons-style. This term takes its origin from the name of the Harlem club (Minton's Playhouse). Bebop founding musicians performed at this club. This style (bop) appeared as an experimental direction after the swing.
The main trends that characterize the bop style:
- Modernization of old hot jazz.
- The presence of independent solo improvisation.
- Innovation in the field of musical expressive means (rhythms, melodics, textures, harmonies, tempo, timbre and others).
Swing - expressive in jazz
Translated from English (swing) means swing, swing. The word swing is used in two meanings, as an expressive jazz tool and as a style.
Swing as an expressive jazz means is a specific kind of metro rhythmic pulsation, formed on endless rhythmic deviations (both lagging and leading) from strong shares of ground beat. In this regard, there is a feeling of huge internal energy, which is in a state of unstable equilibrium. The effect of a kind of "swaying" of the sound mass, an unstable metric base, is created. Swing as an expressive means is characterized by metro rhythmic conflicts.
Swing as an orchestral jazz style
It appeared in the period of the 20-30s as a result of the combination of Europeanized and Negro style forms of jazz music. Initially, he was represented by a big band, and towards the end of the 30s, music in this style was performed by combos (chamber ensembles). Characteristic features of the style:
- A peculiar ripple, causing direct associations with the "swinging".
- Particular combination of solo improvisation with sectional technique.
- Original timbre coloring.
- 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.
Fusion Style Feature
Translated from English fusion means merger, alloy. Fusion is a modern style. This type 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.
Fusion style music is mostly instrumental. It is usually distinguished by complex metro-rhythmic features and a clock size. Listeners of Europe, Japan and South America are fans and true connoisseurs of this style of music.
One of the first performers in Russia was the Arsenal group (founded in 1973) with the participation of Alexei Kozlov. In 1974, under the direction of Georgy Garanyan, the first album was released 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, the Benny Goodman Orchestra was overly popular and in high demand among the public, who did not even realize that this big band arose with the help of other pre-existing orchestras. This orchestra was based on the tremendous 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 30s, the Glenn Miller Orchestra was especially popular . Its creator was a trombonist who for a long time studied the basics of arrangement. He applied a number of innovations. One of them is crystal chorus.
County Basie's Big Band was formed in the 30s in Kansas City, it was finally formed in New York. Basie, who honored jazz traditions, was able to achieve flawless swing and powerful sound. In this orchestra, one can clearly feel the presence of style techniques that are characteristic of a big band. Among them, it is worth noting the following:
- Question and answer form.
- Interaction of orchestral sections.
- The use of orchestral riffs.
Duke Ellington Orchestra. The leader of the group united several talents at once: a band leader, pianist, composer, painter. He managed to make an individual sound, combining elements of the orchestration of academic music and traditionally jazz receptions.
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. Big bands of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, County Basie, Duke Ellington were very popular.