JAZZ BAND

A 'jazz band' (or 'jazz ensemble') is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music usually without a conductor. 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 employed 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 percussion, bass guitar or double 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 (2-3 altos, 2 tenors, and a baritone), 3-4 trombones, and a bass trombone. The saxophones may also double on flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and soprano saxophone, the trumpets on flugelhorn, and the bass trombone on tuba.

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See also

See also

★ Big band

★ Organ trio