Evolution of Swing Music: From Jazz Combos to Big Bands

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Swing music evolved from jazz combos to big bands, featuring musicians proficient in solo improvisation, utilizing written arrangements, and emphasizing specific instrument sections. Notable big bands included Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie, each contributing unique styles and innovations. Vocalists Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday made significant contributions to the genre, showcasing exceptional talent and creativity. Explore the rich history and impact of swing music through iconic bands, vocalists, and venues like The Cotton Club.

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Swing Music From Jazz Combos to Big Bands. Includes Chicago, Kansas City, New York Greater use of written arrangements. Musicians were more proficient. More solo improvisation. Bands had often 10 or more players, there were 3 sections: rhythm (piano, guitar, bass, drums), brass (trumpets, trombones), and reeds (clarinets, saxophones). Instrumentation included saxophones, and drummers used more high-hat cymbals. Tubas and banjos are no longer used.

Early Big Bands Fletcher Henderson (1897-1952) pitted saxes against brass, used block voicing. Hired great musicians including Roy Eldridge-trumpet and Coleman Hawkins-tenor sax. Duke Ellington (1899-1974) Duke-piano, Juan Tizol-valve trombone, Joe Nanton- trombone, Jimmy Blanton- bass, Hits: Don t Get Around Much Anymore, It Don t Mean A Thing (If It Ain t Got that Swing), Satin Doll, Solitude, Mood Indigo. Count Basie (1904-1984)-Count Basie, piano Lester Young- tenor sax, Dicky Wells- trombone, Freddie Green- guitar, Walter Page-bass, Jo Jones-drums

2 important big bands- Count Basie s & Duke Ellington s

What the Count and Duke did well Basie: Duke: Played sparingly, relaxed tempos Awarded a scholarship to art college. A thorough arranger thought of different instruments as different colors Swung hard Comping Encouraged his musicians to have a signature sound- concentration on tone as well as technique. Wrote parts for the particular sounds and capabilities of his band. Emphasis on improvisation and driving rhythm Count Basie and Big Joe Williams, All Right, OK, You Win Voicings across sections of the band. Used wordless vocals.

2 important vocalists- Ella Fitzgerald & Billie Holiday

Ella & Billie Ella Fitzgerald (1918-1996) Billie Holiday (1915-1959) Hits with jazz and pop music Composed/co-authored some of her own songs including God Bless the Child Discovered by Chick Webb, led the band after 1939 following Webb s death Exceptional at phrasing, emotional depth. Avoided scatting. Great vocal dexterity, intonation, and sense of swing. Scatted with ease. (avoided by Holiday) Biggest hit Strange Fruit 14 Grammy Awards