Jazz band
A
jazz band is a
musical ensemble that plays
jazz music. Jazz bands usually consist of a
rhythm section and a
horn section. During the jazz and swing eras in the mid-twentieth century, the most successful jazz orchestras also empolyed strings and harp in expanded arrangements, but their presence on the bandstand was more for visual impact and not as a key component of the ensemble.
The
rhythm section of a jazz band consists of the
drums,
bass, and usually at least one instrument capable of playing
chords, such as a
piano or
guitar. Large early jazz bands such as
Paul Whiteman's employed two pianos and
banjo. The rhythm section is the foundation for the band; it sets the feel for the piece.
The
horn section consists of
wind and
brass instruments, which play the
melody and main
accompaniment. Typical horns found in a big jazz band include 4 to 5
trumpets,
saxophones (2
altos, 2
tenors, and a
baritone), and 3-4
trombones and a bass trombone. The saxophones may also double on
flute and
clarinet and the trumpets on
flugelhorn.
See also
*
Big band
