Big Band and Swing Flashcards
when was big band and swing at its peak?
1930s and 40s
how can the rhythm be generally described?
danceable
was the ensemble larger or smaller?
larger (extending the Dixieland band)
describe the texture
the improvised melodies with less backing meant there was a more homophonic, riff based texture.
name some famous vocalists who were accompanied by Big Bands
Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald
What is big band replaced by?
bebop
when did big band start?
late 1920s
give 3 examples of a big band
-Fletcher Henderson Orchestra in New York
-Count Basie and his Orchestra
-Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
what events made this poplar and give an example
The Great Depression and WWII - Glenn Miller’s orchestra helped to entertain allies in Europe.
what instruments played the driving, danceable rhythms?
bass, piano and drums
how was big band different to bebop but similar to cool jazz and ragtime?
big band used arrangements (pre-composed music)
what new instrument was used in big band?
the modern drum kit - use of foot pedals opened up more possibilities
what instrumental technique could the trumpets use?
mutes
what was the bass line used in the double bass known as?
the walking bass
what did the piano do?
more varied comping
