The article is devoted to such a jazz orchestra asbig band Given the main characteristic of the orchestra, styles such as bebop, swing, fusion are considered. You will also learn what big bands existed and the names of their leaders.
Jazz big band. What it is?
The literal translation of this phrase -big orchestra. This is one of the distinguishing features of the jazz orchestra, which is characterized by a specific set of instruments. The main role is assigned to a group of wind instruments. Among the specific features of the big band, the following should be noted:
- Separation of instrumental groups, which are called "sections".
- A special technique of the ensemble's play: interlacing of soloist improvisations with arranged sections, as well as the use of non-standard types of orchestral accompaniment (background).
- Mixing of bright-contrast timbres, which causes associations with collage and mix sound.
- Uneven rhythmic pulsation, constant shifts in emphasis, which is a very complex element of performance.
Number of musicians - from ten to twentyperson. Most often, the big band comes out in such an instrumental composition: five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and a rhythm group (guitar, bass, piano, drums). The following groups of instruments are assumed:
- Saxophone sections - read.
- Brass instruments sections - breaststroke.
- Rhythm section.
- 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 the jazz style bebop
A variety of this style was formed to the beginning.40s. Its exact name is bop. And already derivatives of the word (bebop, bibap, ribap) have become widely used in everyday life. All of them are directly related to the practice of scat vocals and have onomatopoeic genesis. Another of his name is mintons-style. This term takes its origin from the name of the Harlem club (Minton "s Playhouse). The founding musicians of bebop played in this club. This style (bop) appeared as an experimental direction after the swing.
The main trends that characterize the bop style are:
- Modernization of old hot jazz.
- The presence of independent solo improvisation.
- Innovation in the field of musical expressive means (rhythms, melodies, textures, harmony, tempo, timbre and others).
Swing - an expressive tool in jazz
Translated from English (swing) means swing, swing. The word swing is used in two meanings, as an expressive jazz medium and as a style.
Swing as an expressive jazz medium -a specific kind of metrrhythmic pulsation, formed on infinite rhythmic deviations (both delayed and advanced) from strong parts of the ground-beat. In this regard, there is a feeling of huge internal energy, which is in a state of unstable equilibrium. It creates the effect of a peculiar "wiggling" of a sound mass, an unstable metric base. For swing as an expressive means metro rhythmic conflicts are typical.
Swing like orchestral jazz style
Appeared in the period of the 20-30s as a resultcombining Europeanized and Negro jazz styles in music. Initially, he was represented by a big band, and closer to the end of the 30s, combo (chamber ensembles) performed music in this style. Characteristic features of the style:
- A kind of pulsation, causing direct associations with the "swinging".
- Special combination of solo improvisation with sectional technique of the game.
- Original timbre coloring.
- Significant role of composition and arrangement.
Not everyone knows what a big swing band is. This is the result of the development and expansion of the Chicago style.
Characteristic style Fusion
Translated from English, fusion means merging,alloy. Fusion is a style direction of modernity. This kind of style appeared in the 70s based on jazz rock, as well as combining elements of non-European folklore and European academic music.
Fusion style music mainlyinstrumental character. It is usually distinguished by complex metrhythmic features and clock size. Listeners in Europe, Japan and South America are fans and true connoisseurs of this style of music.
In Russia, one of the first performers wasArsenal group (founded in 1973) with the participation of Alexei Kozlov. In 1974, under the leadership of Georgy Garanian, the first album entitled “Labyrinth. Jazz compositions "in the style of jazz-fusion.
What were the big bands?
The process of the emergence of big bands and their popularity have not always been equally.
For example, the Benny Goodman Orchestra enjoyedexcessive popularity and high demand from the public, which did not even realize that this big band arose with the help of other, previously existing orchestras. This orchestra was based on the colossal experience and support of the Fletcher Henderson Big Band. On a similar path went such musicians as:
- Artie Shaw;
- Bob Crosby;
- Jimmy Dorsey;
- Harry james
В конце 30-х годов особой популярностью enjoyed the Glenn Miller Orchestra. Its creator was a trombone player, who for a long time studied the basics of arrangement. He applied a number of innovations. One of them is crystal chorus.
KAUNTA BASY'S BIG BAND was formed in the 30sin 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, the presence of style tricks, which are characteristic of the big band, is clearly felt. Among them it is worth noting the following:
- Question answer form.
- The interaction of the orchestral sections.
- Use of orchestral riffs.
Duke Ellington Orchestra.The leader of the group combined several talents at once: a band leader, a pianist, a composer, a painter. He managed to make an individual sound that combines elements of orchestration of academic music and traditionally jazz techniques.
Thus, the big band has its own characteristic anddistinctive features, a certain composition of musicians and instruments. There are different jazz styles: swing, bebop, fusion. The process of the emergence of big bands and their popularity has not always been equal. Big-Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Duke Ellington were very popular.
