Big band

A big band, also known as a jazz orchestra, is a large musical ensemble that plays swing music.

Rhythm section

The rhythm section strictly speaking comprises Drums, double bass (or bass guitar) and guitar. Although the piano is grouped as a rhythm section member, his/her part in providing rhythm is minimal. The function of the piano player apart from solos, is to punctuate various accents, provide replies, counter melodies etc. and provide fills in the music. The piano player can also contribute to the harmonic richness of the rhythm section by playing upper extensions of the chords played by the guitar. The piano player usually plays very few of the bass notes although thay are written on the part for guidance.

Related Topics:
Drums - Double bass - Bass guitar - Guitar - Piano

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The guitar in a big band is mostly used as a pure rhythm instrument in that it plays straight time. That is, in a 4/4 tune, the guitarist will play four beats in every bar. The guitarist somtimes takes solos, but usually not as many as the piano. Many people agree that one of the greatest exponents of the art of big band guitar playing was Freddie Green of the Count Basie orchestra.

Related Topics:
Freddie Green - Count Basie

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The double bass player, or bass guitarist, is sometimes said to be the most important member of the rhythm section because this instrument not only provides the beat, but gives a foundation (the roots) to the harmony. It can be heard and sometimes felt by all the band below all the other instrumentalists. The bass player usually plays four beats in every bar of a 4/4 tune and is usually playing continuously with out rests throughout the tune. To achieve a good swing feeling the bass player will try to play extreme legato making all the notes run into one another giving a continuous but pulsating sound. Staccato bass playing is usually avoided except in non swing tunes.

Related Topics:
Legato - Staccato

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The drummer is also a most important member of the rhythm section who together with the bass and guitar(if present) form the core of a solid 'timekeeping' machine. The drum kit usually comprises, bass drum, tom-tom(s), snare drum, ride cymbal, hi-hat or 'sock' cymbal, crash cymbal and sometimes other cymbals. In big band music the drummer usually only plays the bass drum lightly (to keep himself in time) to avoid interfering with the bass player. The main pieces of kit used are the snare drum, hi-hat and ride cymbal. In drum solos the drummer will almost always use most or all of his kit to achieve variety.

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Although not intended to be heard above the wind instruments, the rhythm section is essential both to the band and to the audience in providing the important pulse in the music that is so important for dancing and listening to. The rhythm section is sometimes refered to as the 'powerhouse' or engine room of the band as one of its main purposes is to drive the band forward at a steady rate. The rhythm section is sometimes said to provide a large part of the 'swing' to a band. A rhythm section not playing together will not swing and will sound stiff and awkward. When playing together properly, the rhythm section achieves what is known in electronics terms as 'phase-lock' and are totally together in tempo and phase. Under these conditions, the rhythm section is said to be 'swinging'.

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