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Big Bands

A bastion of the music scene has been the performances and recordings of large ensembles. Not only do listeners enjoy the enveloping sound these groups create, but the musicians themselves take pleasure in participating in large ensembles. They appreciate the rich harmonies and luxuriant arranging that radiate from groups like Big Bands and Classical Orchestras.

The lush, full sounds, which are created by the varied instrumentation that makeup these groups, convey a range of emotions that smaller combos are unable to generate. In a typical jazz Big Band there are five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and a rhythm section comprised of piano, bass, guitar and drums. At times it is also supplemented by the doubling on flute and clarinet by the sax players.

Today’s Classical Orchestras may be comprised of 75-90 players, the majority being string instruments such as violins, violas, cellos and double basses. Generally rounding out the orchestra are the Woodwinds; two each of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, the Brass section; two each of French horns and trumpets, and Percussion; generally two timpani’s and some drums. In classical music each section plays a pretty specific role. The strings generally play the melody, as the woodwinds add contrasting tonal shading and usually get the written solos. The brass instruments bring power to certain parts of the piece, while adding harmonic thickness and percussion adds rhythmic interest and accenting.

Jazz Big Bands are not as structured; the section playing the melody can change within a piece or from one song to another. The trumpets, saxophones, piano and even the trombones have an opportunity to stand out. When not playing the melody, the other sections add harmonic strength and rhythmic support. The soloing in big band arrangements also differs from the classical setting in two significant ways. Namely, that the solo is improvised on the spot by the soloist and that any instrumentalist, including those in the rhythm section, may be called upon.

These groups perform intricately arranged, elongated presentations of a composer’s work. Many times an arranger will take a popular song and create an arrangement for a classical orchestra or big band. Charlie Parker with Strings, an album which paired the prolific, troubled alto player with a classical orchestra, become his best selling album and was embraced by the public. It was a cross over record that had broad appeal: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/product.aspx?ob=prd&src=list&pid=10001

There are also classical arrangements of many well known bands including the Beatles, Queen:

http://www.amazon.com/Another-Kind-Magic-Symphonic-Spectacular/dp/B00005NTS9 and Led Zeppelin

While many people may not realize it, we are surrounded by the music of these types of groups. The material these large groups perform provides the music that is heard in most movies and television. The Pixar hit movie, The Incredibles, featured the music of the innovative Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band: http://www.gordongoodwin.com/index1.html

The music that Gordon Goodwin writes has a modern, fresh feel to it and the musicians who perform it are masterful. I would suggest checking out their latest album, which features a couple of duets by the likes of Brian McKnight, Johnny Mathis, Take 6 and Micheal Brecker:

http://www.amazon.com/Property-Gordon-Goodwins-Phat-Band/dp/B0000CABHC/ref=m_art_pr_1/103-6431314-3856621

or Swinging for the Fences:

http://www.amazon.com/Swingin-Fences-Goodwins-Phat-Band/dp/B000056T7N/ref=m_art_pr_2/103-6431314-3856621

In the Big Band arena The Village Vanguard Orchestra, The Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and The Dave Holland Big Band are just a few of the ensembles creating fresh, new music that warrants your attention.

Many of songs of the disco era, as well as many R & B tunes had horn sections supplementing the band. Just recall the full sounds of Barry White, Earth Wind and Fire, Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears to name a few. Even today’s pop stars use rich arrangements and instrumentation on many of their hit songs.

So get out and see a large ensemble! Locally we have been lucky to have the Brookdale Community College Big Band performing for over 20 years. The band is stacked with local talent who have performed and recorded with some of the music worlds biggest names. They have a show on April 15th at the Lincroft Campus. Also playing regularly in the area are the Jazz Lobsters who are at the Quay in Sea Bright every Tuesday

There are a variety of classical performances in the area, the Asbury Park Press publishes a listing each Sunday in the Entertainment section.

Dan Petrosini - April 1, 2007

Dan Petrosini, Jazz Columnist

jazzywine@aol.com

Local Jazz Tip

Every Tuesday Evening at about 8:30 @ The Quay in Sea Bright, the Jazz Lobsters play for about 2-3 hours. It is a great show in this very intimate environment- no cover charge.