1930s

Question 1

How did the Great Depression influence the development of jazz in this decade?

Answer 1

The need for big sound at large venues, and dancing music, lead to an expansion in the frontline, and arrangement in the orchestration.
Predominantly, it became mainly influenced by the arranger.

Question 2

Who are some key musicians from this era?

Answer 2

Duke Ellington.
Count Basie.
Benny Goodman.
Glenn Miller.

Question 3

What instrument did Benny Goodman play?

Answer 3

Clarinet.

Question 4

How did Benny Goodman contribute to the development of Big Band swing?

Answer 4

Popularised the style and turned it into exciting dance music.
Known for extremely polished improvisations.

Question 5

How has the rhythm section changed since early jazz?

Answer 5

Evolutions of the drum kits allows the player with free hands to add punctuations, comping patterns and solos.
The double bass plays four in the bar, providing pulse and outlining harmony.
The guitar plays even chords in the bar, reinforcing the pulse.
Piano offers more responsive comping.