What is a Big Band?
‘Of course no one snaps one’s fingers on the beat, it’s considered aggressive. You don’t push it, you just let it fall. – Duke Ellington, 1958
A Big Band is known to fluctuate in size, but is typically between 10-20 musicians. There is typically a horn section, made out of trumpets, trombones and saxophones which is accompanied by a rhythm section, normally including drums, bass and piano. Throughout history and in different genres, instruments have been added. Bass Clarinet has been known to substitute out for baritone sax, like on the track below:
Reiwa6-10 #bigband #jazz #jazzorchestra #ビッグバンド #ハッシャバイ #hushabye #bassclarinet
Vibraphone and other mallet instruments such as marimba have also been used:
Terry Gibbs Dream Band – Sleep
Guitar is also very common, it is normally known for ‘comping’ which is where an instrument plays a rhythmic or harmonic accompaniment. Below is a cool example of ‘comping’ being used as
Count Basie – The Elder (Freddie Green Chord Solo)
Japanese Big Band Music
Jazz cafes or jazz kissa (ジャズ喫茶) were frequented often in the 20th century in Japan, offering coffee and the opportunity to sit and listen to jazz music. Japan has gone on to create some incredible big band music, such as the below tune from Cowboy Bebop.
It is also a very popular style in video games, such as these pieces from the DS version of Mario Kart:
Lavender Big Band 