A big band (historically referred to as jazz orchestra) is a type of musical ensemble of jazz music that usually consists of ten or more musicians with four sections: saxophones, trumpets, …

Ever wondered what makes a big band sound so rich and powerful? We're diving into the essential instrumentation that defines the classic big band era, revealing the core components …

Nov 15, 2024 · In my series of posts about different musical instruments, I have, over time, managed to cover most of the most common instruments that feature in Western music – …

May 31, 2020 · A look into speciifc aspects of each instrument in a big band. We look at their ranges and tone colours as well as looking at effective, idiomatic writing for each player.

Feb 13, 2025 · Key Instruments for a Real Big Band Sound A good blend of brass, woodwinds, and rhythm section instruments will help you to produce the rich, full-bodied sound of a classic …

Nov 24, 2025 · The roar of swinging big band music in full flight is one of the most impressive sounds in all of jazz history. In this article, we’re going to check out some of the best big band …

Male and female vocalists have also joined big bands to perform particular arrangements. In recent years synthesizers and / or electronic keyboards have been added, often replacing the …

Feb 13, 2025 · Riffing, a cornerstone of jazz, involves short, repeated musical phrases (riffs) that create momentum and drive. In big band music, riffs are often used in call-and-response …

Dec 6, 2014 · Extra percussion and further wind instruments are found in different bands or called for in individual compositions. Jazz big bands are found in many secondary school and tertiary …

The swing era (also frequently referred to as the big band era) was the period (1933–1947) when big band swing music was the most popular music in the United States, especially for teenagers.