Big bands revolutionized jazz with their powerful, layered sound. Brass, reeds, and rhythm sections combined to create a rich musical tapestry, each instrument playing a crucial role in the ensemble's overall sound and style.

Arrangers were the unsung heroes of big band jazz, crafting unique sounds for each orchestra. They orchestrated parts, harmonized melodies, and designed signature intros and endings, collaborating with bandleaders to create a distinct musical identity for each group.

Big Band Structure and Instrumentation

Instrumentation and roles in big bands

• Brass section anchors big band sound with powerful, bright tones
  • Trumpets (3-5 players) provide melodic lines and high-register harmonies
    • Lead trumpet plays highest notes and guides section
    • Supporting trumpets fill out harmonies and offer occasional solos
  • Trombones (3-4 players) add depth and lower harmonies
    • Lead trombone often plays counter-melodies
    • Supporting trombones provide rich, full chords
• Reed section offers smooth, lyrical contrast to brass
  • Saxophones (4-5 players) blend woodwind and brass qualities
    • Alto saxophones typically play higher melodies and harmonies
    • Tenor saxophones provide middle register support and frequent solos
    • Baritone saxophone anchors reed section with low notes
• Rhythm section maintains tempo and harmonic foundation
  • Piano comps chords and may provide melodic fills
  • Guitar adds rhythmic chords and occasional solos
  • Double bass establishes root notes and walking bass lines
  • Drums keep steady beat and add rhythmic accents
• Roles within sections create cohesive ensemble sound
  • Lead players guide their sections and play prominent parts
  • Supporting players fill out harmonies and provide backup
  • Soloists improvise featured passages, showcasing individual style

Arrangers and distinctive band sounds

• Arrangers shape band's unique style through orchestration choices
• Orchestrate parts for each instrument to create full, balanced sound
• Harmonize melodies to create rich, complex chord structures
• Craft signature introductions and endings to make songs instantly recognizable
• Develop distinctive voicings for sections (close harmony, open voicings)
• Design smooth transitions between different parts of arrangement
• Balance ensemble passages with solo sections for dynamic contrast
• Adapt popular songs to fit band's style (swing feel, tempo changes)
• Collaborate with bandleaders to create overall sound identity (Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn)

Big Band Arrangements and Styles

Sections of big band arrangements

• Introduction sets mood with distinctive melody or rhythm (Count Basie's "One O'Clock Jump")
• Chorus presents main melodic theme, often repeated with variations
• Solo sections showcase individual musicians' improvisational skills
• Ensemble passages feature full band playing arranged harmonies and rhythms
• Shout chorus near end highlights full band at peak intensity
• Ending concludes arrangement, may reprise themes or introduce new material

Styles of major big band arrangers

• Fletcher Henderson pioneered swing-style arrangements
  • Emphasized call-and-response between brass and reeds
  • Developed riff-based compositions (short, repeated phrases)
  • Balanced written parts with improvisation opportunities
• Jimmy Mundy created energetic, driving arrangements
  • Utilized complex harmonies and innovative brass voicings
  • Emphasized dynamic contrasts within arrangements
• Arranging techniques varied among different arrangers
  • Use of counterpoint (multiple melodic lines simultaneously)
  • Approach to rhythm section writing (4-beat vs. 2-beat feel)
  • Integration of popular melodies into jazz context
  • Balance between tightly arranged ensemble and loose solo passages