Episode 2: The 1930s – The Swing Era.
In the early 1930s, the trombone section also gets an independent role. The sound of the big band is complete. The “stomping” rhythm section with three sections above it: the saxophone, trombone, and trumpet sections. And for the climax, as a soloist, you play above it all, as clarinetist Benny Goodman knows all too well. But pianist, arranger, and bandleader Duke Ellington realizes it can also be done differently. In addition to having the same riff in each section, you can also mix the instruments from different sections together. The big band as a painter’s palette. And if you also have strong soloists in your orchestra, then you can go in any direction.
Don Redman
- I Got Rhythm, 1932
- Hot and Anxious, 1932
Benny Goodman
- One O’Clock Jump, 1938
- Sing, Sing, Sing, 1938
- Don’t Be That Way, 1938
Duke Ellington
- Concerto for Cootie, 1940
- Ko-Ko, 1940
- In a Mellow Tone, 1940
- Sepia Panorama
- Harlem Air Shaft
Count Basie
- Lester Leaps In, 1939
- Taxi War Dance, 1939
