You may believe that the days of the big band are over. They’re actually still in full swing and provide a great source of musical entertainment. Typically a big band musical ensemble consists of up to twelve to twenty-five musicians with a rhythm section, saxophones, trombones, and trumpets. A big swing band is also known as a jazz ensemble, dance band, stage band, jazz band, or jazz orchestra. Their music is arranged in advance and usually read on sheet music. The arranger or band leader can call for improvised solos that showcase certain band members, as well. Many crooners, well-known singers, have also been known to accompany a big band as swing artists.
Frank Sinatra
Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Frank Sinatra was an American Grammy Award winning Italian jazz singer. He was also known for his Academy Award winning acting talent and founded Reprise Records. His musical career began in the Swing Era with Tommy Dorsey and Harry James, until he became a highly popular solo artist. Frank Sinatra would go on to release fifty-nine studio albums and become an idol of the ‘bobby soxers’.
Louis Armstrong
Pops or Satchmo, as Louis Armstrong was called, was a singer and jazz trumpeter from New Orleans, Louisiana. He got his start in the 1920’s as an inventive cornet and trumpet player known for his magical improvising and solo performances. He has become a foundational jazz influence and is still instantly recognized for his gravelly voice as a talented singer with great dexterity at blending the melody and lyrics of a song to better express it.
Dean Martin
The King of Cool, Dean Martin, began performing at the age of twenty-one with jazz bandleader Sammy Watkins. His delivery of songs was considered to be lush and smooth with baritone vocals that were mesmerizing. Even his lyrics were sung with a casualness that was cheerful and charming. Even through the talented vocalist doubted his own ability; he goes down in history as a top swing vocalist of his time.
For more information visit our website Sitename.
