Big Band (swing)

Question 1

Who are the main personalities of 1930s jazz?

Answer 1

Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller.

Question 2

Who was Duke Ellington inspired by?

Answer 2

The Impressionists (especially Debussy).
This signals wafty harmony, loose melodic writing, repetition of themes and ideas.

Question 3

What is Benny Goodman known for?

Answer 3

Amongst many things, turning jazz into an exciting dance form.

Question 4

How has the rhythm section changed from early jazz?

Answer 4

The drum kit has evolved to allow more virtuosic performances and complex beats.
Double bass and guitar outlines harmony by playing four in the bar.
Piano player no longer has to conform to the metric beats, and can comp more adventurously.

Question 5

What are key features of big band swing?

Answer 5

Large ensemble.
Organised parts, therefore more organised structure.
Instrumentation has evolved to supply greater depth to more instruments.
Supports dancing.

Question 6

When was big band swing a thing?

Answer 6

1930s.

Question 7

Describe the phraseology of Big Band swing?

Answer 7

Swung quavers in groups of four.