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A jazz band (or jazz ensemble in western dialects of American English) is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music. Jazz bands usually consist of a rhythm section and a horn section. During the jazz and swing eras in the mid-twentieth century, the most successful jazz orchestras also empolyed strings and harp in expanded arrangements, but their presence on the bandstand was more for visual impact and not as a key component of the ensemble.

The rhythm section of a jazz band consists of the drums, bass, and usually at least one instrument capable of playing chords, such as a piano or guitar. Large early jazz bands such as Paul Whiteman’s employed two pianos and banjo. The rhythm section is the foundation for the band; it sets the feel for the piece.

The horn section consists of wind and brass instruments, which play the melody and main accompaniment. Typical horns found in a big jazz band include 4 to 5 trumpets, saxophones (2 altos, 2 tenors, and a baritone), and 3-4 trombones and a bass trombone. The saxophones may also double on flute and clarinet, the trumpets on flugelhorn and the bass trombone on tuba.

[edit] See also

• Big band
• Organ trio

• List of jazz bands

Jazz | Jazz genres

Acid jazz - Asian American jazz - Avant-garde jazz - Bebop - Dixieland - Calypso jazz - Chamber jazz - Cool jazz - Free jazz - Gypsy jazz - Hard bop

Jazz blues - Jazz-funk - Jazz fusion - Jazz rap - Latin jazz - Mini-jazz - Modal jazz - M-Base - Nu jazz - Smooth jazz - Soul jazz - Swing - Trad jazz - West coast jazz

Other topics

Musicians - Jazz standard - Jazz royalty - jazz band(big band)