- Jazz band
A jazz band (or jazz ensemble) is a
musical ensemble that playsjazz music usually without a conductor. Jazz bands usually consist of arhythm section and ahorn section . During the jazz and swing eras in the mid-twentieth century, the most successful jazz orchestras also employed strings and harp in expanded arrangements, but their presence on the bandstand was more for visual impact and not as a key component of the ensemble, although the unique timbres of the strings and harp combined with the band as a whole provided an extra layer of ear-pleasing sonorities.The
rhythm section of a jazz band consists of the percussion,double bass orbass guitar , and usually at least one instrument capable of playing chords, such as apiano ,guitar ,Hammond organ or vibes. Large early jazz bands such asPaul Whiteman ’s employed two pianos, anaccordion andbanjo . The rhythm section is the foundation for the band; it sets the feel for the piece.The
horn section consists of wind andbrass instrument s, which play themelody and mainaccompaniment . Typical horns found in a big jazz band include 4 to 5trumpet s,saxophone s (2-3 altos, 2 tenors, and a baritone), 3-4 trombones, and abass trombone . The saxophones may also double onflute ,clarinet ,bass clarinet andsoprano saxophone , the trumpets onflugelhorn , and the bass trombone ontuba .
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