4.2 Big band structure and arrangements
3 min read•july 25, 2024
Big bands revolutionized jazz with their powerful, layered sound. Brass, reeds, and rhythm sections combined to create a rich musical tapestry, each instrument playing a crucial role in the ensemble's overall sound and style.
were the unsung heroes of big band jazz, crafting unique sounds for each orchestra. They orchestrated parts, harmonized melodies, and designed signature intros and endings, collaborating with bandleaders to create a distinct musical identity for each group.
Big Band Structure and Instrumentation
Instrumentation and roles in big bands
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- anchors big band sound with powerful, bright tones
- (3-5 players) provide melodic lines and high-register harmonies
- plays highest notes and guides section
- fill out harmonies and offer occasional solos
- (3-4 players) add depth and lower harmonies
- often plays counter-melodies
- provide rich, full chords
- (3-5 players) provide melodic lines and high-register harmonies
- offers smooth, lyrical contrast to brass
- Saxophones (4-5 players) blend woodwind and brass qualities
- typically play higher melodies and harmonies
- provide middle register support and frequent solos
- anchors reed section with low notes
- Saxophones (4-5 players) blend woodwind and brass qualities
- Rhythm section maintains tempo and harmonic foundation
- comps chords and may provide melodic fills
- adds rhythmic chords and occasional solos
- establishes root notes and walking bass lines
- keep steady beat and add rhythmic accents
- Roles within sections create cohesive ensemble sound
- Lead players guide their sections and play prominent parts
- Supporting players fill out harmonies and provide backup
- Soloists improvise featured passages, showcasing individual style
Arrangers and distinctive band sounds
- Arrangers shape band's unique style through choices
- Orchestrate parts for each instrument to create full, balanced sound
- melodies to create rich, complex chord structures
- Craft signature introductions and endings to make songs instantly recognizable
- Develop distinctive for sections (close harmony, open voicings)
- Design smooth transitions between different parts of arrangement
- Balance ensemble passages with for dynamic contrast
- Adapt popular songs to fit band's style (, )
- Collaborate with bandleaders to create overall sound identity ( and )
Big Band Arrangements and Styles
Sections of big band arrangements
- sets mood with distinctive melody or rhythm ('s "One O'Clock Jump")
- presents main melodic theme, often repeated with variations
- Solo sections showcase individual musicians' improvisational skills
- Ensemble passages feature full band playing arranged harmonies and rhythms
- near end highlights full band at peak intensity
- Ending concludes arrangement, may reprise themes or introduce new material
Styles of major big band arrangers
- pioneered swing-style arrangements
- Emphasized call-and-response between brass and reeds
- Developed (short, repeated phrases)
- Balanced written parts with improvisation opportunities
- created energetic, driving arrangements
- Utilized complex harmonies and innovative brass voicings
- Emphasized dynamic contrasts within arrangements
- Arranging techniques varied among different arrangers
- Use of (multiple melodic lines simultaneously)
- Approach to rhythm section writing (4-beat vs. 2-beat feel)
- Integration of popular melodies into jazz context
- Balance between tightly arranged ensemble and loose solo passages
Key Terms to Review (37)
Alto saxophones: Alto saxophones are a type of musical instrument belonging to the woodwind family, specifically designed in the early 1840s by Adolphe Sax. They are characterized by their conical shape and a range that sits between the soprano and tenor saxophones, making them a versatile choice for various musical genres, including jazz. In the context of big bands, alto saxophones often play crucial roles in harmonies and lead melodies, contributing to the overall texture and sound of the ensemble.
Arrangers: Arrangers are musicians who take existing musical compositions and adapt them for different ensembles or styles, particularly in the context of big bands. They play a vital role in shaping the sound and structure of a piece by deciding on instrumentation, harmonies, and dynamics, ensuring that each part complements the overall arrangement. Their creativity and technical skills are crucial for transforming a simple melody into a full-fledged performance that showcases the talents of the band members.
Baritone Saxophone: The baritone saxophone is a large, low-pitched member of the saxophone family, typically tuned to the key of E♭. It plays an essential role in jazz ensembles, particularly in big bands, providing rich harmonies and deep melodic lines that enhance the overall sound. Its distinctive timbre adds depth to arrangements and serves as a bridge between the lower brass and higher woodwind sections within a band setting.
Billy Strayhorn: Billy Strayhorn was an influential American jazz composer, arranger, and pianist, best known for his long-standing collaboration with Duke Ellington. His contributions to big band arrangements and compositions are significant, with works like 'Take the 'A' Train' and 'Lush Life' showcasing his innovative harmonies and intricate structures that helped shape the sound of jazz during the big band era.
Brass section: The brass section is a group of instruments made from brass materials, typically including trumpets, trombones, and tubas, that play an essential role in jazz ensembles, especially in big bands. These instruments produce bright, powerful sounds that enhance the harmonic richness and rhythmic drive of the music. The brass section often features prominently in arrangements, contributing to the overall texture and dynamic contrast within performances.
Call and response: Call and response is a musical technique where a leader sings or plays a phrase (the call), and a group responds with a complementary phrase (the response). This interaction creates a dynamic dialogue in music, reflecting communal participation and emotional expression, particularly in jazz.
Chorus: In jazz, a chorus refers to a complete cycle through the chord changes of a tune or composition, typically characterized by a specific number of measures. It's an essential concept in the performance and arrangement of big band music, as it provides a structure for improvisation and solo performances. Each chorus can be repeated multiple times, allowing musicians to explore variations and showcase their creativity within the established harmonic framework.
Count Basie: Count Basie was an influential American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, known for his prominent role in the big band movement during the 1930s and 1940s. He led the Count Basie Orchestra, which became famous for its distinctive blend of rhythm, blues, and improvisation, showcasing a unique style that emphasized the importance of a strong rhythm section. His ability to create intricate arrangements while allowing room for individual expression in performances set him apart as a key figure in jazz history.
Counterpoint: Counterpoint is a musical technique that involves the relationship between two or more independent melodies played or sung simultaneously. This concept is crucial in creating harmonic and rhythmic interest, especially in ensemble settings where multiple voices or instruments interact. It contributes to the richness of music, allowing distinct lines to complement each other while maintaining their individuality.
Double bass: The double bass is the largest string instrument in the orchestra and jazz ensembles, known for its deep, resonant sound and wide pitch range. It plays a vital role in providing the harmonic foundation and rhythm in big band arrangements, often functioning as both a bass line provider and a rhythmic anchor within the ensemble.
Drums: Drums are a type of percussion instrument that produce sound through the striking of a membrane, typically made from animal skin or synthetic materials, stretched over a hollow body. In the context of music, they provide rhythm and beat, serving as a foundational element in various genres, including jazz. The influence of African musical traditions on drumming techniques and patterns is significant, while their role in big band arrangements is crucial for maintaining the ensemble's groove and driving force.
Duke Ellington: Duke Ellington was a prominent American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader whose career spanned over five decades, from the 1920s to the 1970s. He is celebrated for his innovative contributions to jazz and his ability to blend various musical styles, making him a key figure in the evolution of big band music and a cultural icon in the jazz genre.
Fletcher Henderson: Fletcher Henderson was a prominent American jazz pianist, bandleader, and arranger, known for his significant contributions to the development of big band jazz in the 1920s and 1930s. His innovative arrangements and orchestration techniques helped shape the sound of jazz orchestras, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of big band structure and arrangements, ultimately influencing many musicians who followed.
Guitar: The guitar is a stringed musical instrument that has been integral to jazz music, providing both harmonic support and melodic lines. Its versatility allows it to adapt various European musical elements, such as chord progressions and ornamentation, contributing to the distinctive sound of jazz. The guitar's role in big bands often includes rhythm playing, solos, and intricate arrangements that enhance the overall performance.
Harmonize: To harmonize means to combine different musical notes or voices in a way that creates a pleasing and balanced sound. In the context of big band structures and arrangements, harmonization plays a crucial role in defining the overall sound and texture of the music, allowing various instrumental and vocal parts to complement each other effectively.
Head arrangements: Head arrangements refer to a type of musical arrangement commonly used in big band jazz, characterized by the musicians memorizing and improvising around a basic melody and chord structure without a written score. This method allows for spontaneity and creativity during performances, as each musician contributes their own interpretation while adhering to the foundational elements of the piece. Head arrangements are particularly significant in fostering a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere within big band ensembles.
Introduction: In the context of big band structure and arrangements, an introduction refers to the opening section of a musical piece that sets the stage for what is to come. It serves to engage the listener and create a sense of anticipation, often incorporating thematic elements that will be developed throughout the performance. The introduction can vary in length and complexity, and its purpose is to establish mood, introduce key motifs, or highlight specific instrumentalists.
Jimmy Mundy: Jimmy Mundy was a prominent American jazz arranger and composer known for his significant contributions to the big band sound during the swing era. His innovative arrangements helped shape the style and structure of big bands, combining elements of improvisation and orchestration that became characteristic of the genre. Mundy's work with notable orchestras made him a key figure in the evolution of big band music, influencing many musicians and arrangers who followed.
Lead trombone: The lead trombone is the primary trombone player in a big band, responsible for playing the highest parts in the trombone section and often guiding the ensemble's sound. This position requires both technical proficiency and a strong sense of leadership, as the lead trombone sets the tone for the section and frequently takes on improvisational solos during performances.
Lead Trumpet: The lead trumpet is the primary trumpet player in a big band or jazz ensemble, responsible for playing the highest trumpet parts and often leading the section. This role is crucial in shaping the overall sound of the ensemble, as the lead trumpet typically plays melodies and is often featured during solos. The lead trumpet also plays an essential part in guiding the other trumpet players in terms of dynamics, phrasing, and articulation.
Orchestration: Orchestration refers to the arrangement of music for an orchestra or large ensemble, focusing on how different instruments interact and complement each other. This process involves selecting which instruments will play specific parts, determining the texture of the music, and balancing the sound to create a cohesive piece. In big band music, orchestration is crucial because it enhances the overall sound and provides distinct sections for brass, woodwinds, and rhythm instruments, making the arrangement more dynamic and engaging.
Piano: The piano is a versatile musical instrument that produces sound by striking strings with hammers when keys are pressed. It plays a crucial role in jazz, serving as both a harmonic foundation and a melodic voice, connecting various musical influences, including European classical traditions and the improvisational spirit of jazz ensembles.
Reed section: The reed section refers to the group of woodwind instruments that utilize reeds to produce sound, commonly found in big band settings. This section typically includes instruments like the clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and baritone saxophone, which contribute to the overall texture and harmonies of big band arrangements. The reed section plays a vital role in blending melodies with brass instruments and providing counterpoint in ensemble performances.
Riff-based compositions: Riff-based compositions are musical works that revolve around a repeated melodic or harmonic phrase known as a riff, serving as the foundation for improvisation and development. This style is particularly prominent in big band arrangements, where the riff acts as a thematic anchor, allowing for variations and solos while maintaining a cohesive structure throughout the piece.
Saxophone section: The saxophone section refers to a group of musicians playing saxophones within a larger ensemble, such as a big band. This section typically consists of various types of saxophones, including alto, tenor, and baritone, each contributing unique tonal qualities to the overall sound. The saxophone section plays a crucial role in creating the rich harmonies and melodies characteristic of big band music, often providing both lead lines and background support in arrangements.
Shout chorus: A shout chorus is a lively and energetic section in a big band arrangement where the full ensemble plays together, typically featuring syncopated rhythms and powerful, accentuated melodies. This part serves as a climactic moment in a piece, often allowing soloists to showcase their improvisational skills against the backdrop of the full band. The shout chorus is characterized by its call-and-response structure, adding a vibrant and dynamic feel to the performance.
Solo sections: Solo sections are parts of a musical composition where one performer or instrument takes the spotlight, playing a melody or improvisation that showcases their individual skill and creativity. These sections are crucial in jazz music as they allow for personal expression and highlight the improvisational nature of the genre, particularly within the framework of swing and big band arrangements.
Supporting Trombones: Supporting trombones refer to the trombone section within a big band that plays harmonic and rhythmic support, complementing the lead instruments and enhancing the overall texture of the arrangement. These trombones often provide foundational harmonies, creating a rich backdrop that allows other instruments, like trumpets or saxophones, to shine through in solos or melodies. Their role is essential in achieving the characteristic sound of big band music, where ensemble cohesion is paramount.
Supporting Trumpets: Supporting trumpets refer to a section within a big band arrangement where trumpets provide harmonic and rhythmic support, often enhancing the overall sound and texture of the ensemble. This role differs from that of solo or lead trumpets, which typically play prominent melodies, while supporting trumpets fill out the chord structures and add depth to the musical arrangement.
Swing feel: Swing feel is a rhythmic characteristic in jazz that emphasizes a relaxed, laid-back groove, where notes are played with a bounce or lilt, often resulting in an uneven division of beats. This feel allows for greater expressiveness and syncopation, making the music more dynamic and engaging. It connects deeply with various musical traditions and developments in jazz, enhancing the interplay between rhythm and improvisation.
Tempo changes: Tempo changes refer to the variations in speed at which a piece of music is played, often used to enhance the emotional impact and structure of a performance. In big band music, these changes can serve various purposes, such as creating contrast between sections, building excitement, or guiding the dynamic flow of the arrangement. Effective use of tempo changes can showcase the musicians' technical skills and contribute to the overall artistic expression of the ensemble.
Tenor saxophones: Tenor saxophones are a type of woodwind instrument that plays a central role in jazz ensembles, especially within big bands. They are characterized by their rich, warm tone and a range that typically spans from B♭ below middle C to high F. In the context of big band arrangements, tenor saxophones often provide both melodic lines and harmonies, contributing to the overall texture and depth of the music.
Trombones: Trombones are brass instruments characterized by their long slide mechanism, allowing players to vary the pitch by extending or shortening the length of the instrument. In big band arrangements, trombones play a crucial role in the harmonic and melodic structure, often providing rich harmonies, counter-melodies, and dynamic sections that enhance the overall sound of the ensemble.
Trumpets: Trumpets are brass instruments that produce sound through the vibration of the player's lips, creating a rich and bright tone. In the context of big band music, trumpets are essential for both melodic and harmonic contributions, often taking on lead roles and playing vibrant solos, while also providing support in the overall arrangement.
Two-beat feel: The two-beat feel is a rhythmic style often found in jazz and big band music that emphasizes a strong, driving pulse, creating a sense of forward motion. This feel is characterized by the accentuation of the first and third beats in a measure, typically in a 4/4 time signature, which lends itself to a lively, danceable quality. It’s especially prevalent in swing music and can influence the overall arrangement and dynamics of big band performances.
Voicings: Voicings refer to the specific arrangement of notes in chords, which influences the harmonic texture and overall sound of music. In the context of big band arrangements, voicings play a critical role in how instruments are grouped and harmonized, creating a rich and full sound that characterizes this ensemble style. Effective voicings can also enhance the emotional impact of a piece by manipulating the relationship between different notes within a chord.
Written charts: Written charts are musical notations created for big band arrangements, providing a clear and structured framework for musicians to follow during performances. These charts typically include parts for various instruments, dynamics, phrasing, and sometimes even cues for improvisation, allowing the ensemble to perform cohesively. The use of written charts is essential for big bands as they ensure that each musician understands their role and the overall arrangement, which is crucial for achieving the desired sound and complexity of the music.