Jazz - Big Band/Swing

Question 1

What were the cultural implications of Big Band/Swing?

Answer 1

Swing served as a major morale booster following the great depression and during WW2

Question 2

What were the racial relations to Big Band/Swing?

Question 3

Who are 3 famous artists of Big Band/Swing?

Answer 3

Duke Ellington
Glenn Miller
Benny Goodman

Question 4

What is one famous piece by Duke Ellington and one by Benny Goodman?

Answer 4

Duke Ellington - Caravan
Benny Goodman - Sing, Sing, Sing

Question 5

What was the usual instrumentation of Big Band/Swing?

Answer 5

Front line and rhythm section,
Front line in sections (4 saxes, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones)

Question 6

What are 4 common stylistic features of Big Band/Swing?

Answer 6

Q&A between sections
Harmonies within sections
Instrumental colours through timbre but also use of mutes, growling and glissandi
Music is a mixture of arrangements (scored out) and improvisation