Help wanted regarding the function of different instuments in Jazz

[Papa_Magotchi]

I have an assignment to do on Jazz music and its stucture, mainly how different instruments are used, ie, what role does the saxophone play in a Jazzband.

I have searched the net for hours and havent been able to find anything informative at all. I'm hoping that I might be able to get some meaning information here.

Does anyone have a musical understanding of Jazz or know any sites that may be useful? I would really appreciate the help. :)

[Pharaohrock]

You should be able to find Mark Gridley's "Jazz Styles" book at a local library. That is a text often used in intro jazz courses and it does a better job of explaining instrument functions than anything I am aware of....

[andreimatorin]

i know this is just gonna confuse u more, but in my opinion, no instrument in jazz has any set role. And they shouldn't, i think if you keep your options open, a lot of great things can happen...

[DIS]

Another approach is to visit some of the texts on arranging. You'd have to do a lot of skimming; the texts would be rather technical. Maybe you could browse through some arranging texts at your regional arts library or at a large book outlet.

[zaragemca]

I,m sorry but I feel the need to jump in my brothers there is a definition of a least to instruments in Jazz, the drums which is primirily to keep the tempo and the piano which is to set the harmony in the tune.And the Bass-Guitar and drum set theType of Jazz,like,(Afro-Latin-Fusion,etc,etc.)

[Pharaohrock]

C'mon guys, we're not really helping out Papa the way that we should. I'm going to contribute my instrument, and hopefully others who play respective instruments in jazz (DW!, JazzyPaul!), will do the same.

PIANO- the main responsibility of a piano in a jazz band is chordal accompaniment, which is both of rhythmic concern (adding another layer of rhythmic interest and accenting anything that is already going on) and harmonic, in terms of making the chord changes clear or in terms of harmonizing a melody. The piano is also often responsible for both introductions and endings, because the orchestral possibilities of the piano allow for both flourish and a heightened sense of drama. The piano is also a perfectly viable solo instrument, although it is admittedly different from others in that one cannot "bend notes" on a keyboard. Because of the piano's percussive nature and the inability to connect pitches seamlessly (they are always distinct pitches even in the fastest runs), the best a pianist can do is simulate note-bending through various techniques like slides or pinched notes. Otherwise however, a pianist is not limited and the number of registers readily at his disposal allow for many interesting orchestral possibilities. On no other instrument can you play the very highest note possible with the very lowest at the same time, for example, nor jump between high and low registers as easily. The sustain pedal also allows the pianist to get a chorus effect, dramatizing chord buildups/crescendos, bringing out legato playing further, or allowing for some dreamy effects on ballads. Lastly, it should be noted that the piano in Jazz can be used in a more traditional Western/classical manner, with more attention given to its melodic capacities and legato nature, or it can be played in a more percussive/staccato, or even- African, manner. Bill Evans exemplifies the more melodic/legato approach (although he certainly played his share of percussive-oriented, bebop piano also and his style was not entirely melodic/legato in any event), while McCoy Tyner exemplifies the more percussive/staccato approach (though again- no true extreme exists as he himself claimed to be influenced by Bill Evans in his approach to ballads.)

[DIS]

When you ask what role the saxophone plays in a jazz band, I assume you're talking about big band jazz. The role that a sax plays in a quintet that includes a trumpet and a trombone, for example, isn't much different from the role that the other two horns play in the quintet.

Here are some thought off the top of my head about the role of saxophone in a big band:

1. Saxophones, being somewhat more lyrical than the brass instruments, are more likely to be found playing a sweet melody while the trumpet and trombones, being more percussive, serve often to punctuate or punch at the melody. The saxophone has sometimes been compared to the violin in a symphonic orchestra. (What role does the violin play in the syphonic orchestra?)

2. The saxophone section shares a slice of the melody. In a typical song structure, saxophones will have the lead for perhaps eight measures, alternating with the trumpets (and perhaps trombones).

3. Like the trumpet and the trombone sections, the saxophone section can also play background figures similar to the way that a solo pianist will play a countermelody--sometimes melodic, sometimes percussive--along with the melody.

4. Generally speaking, it is easier to play fast passages on the saxophone than the trumpet; the trombone is even more difficult. Hence it is not unusual to hear the saxes playing rapid and intricate passages. Background passages sometimes flow quite fluidly; sectional solos (solis) are often highly embelished and interpretative.

5. The saxophone section (typically two altos, two tenors, and one baritone), like the other sections, sometimes play in unison (everyone playing the same note at the same time), sometimes play in harmony (each section member playing a different note from the chord). This applies to playing both melody and background.

6. The difference in pitch between the highest (alto) and the lowest (baritone) saxophone is an octive, giving the section a wider range than the trombones and trumpets (except in the extreme highs). With this capability, when the arranger choses to write two-voice parts rather than three-voice parts, the saxophone section sometimes splits and plays with the other sections. The baritone is the most frequent defector, sometimes playing with the trombones, typically at the bottom of the trombone section. The tenor saxophones sometimes play with the trombones too. The altos are more likely to play with the trumpets. Sometimes the lead alto will double (play the same note as) the lead trumpet.

7. The saxophone lends variety to ensemble playing through doubling. Saxophone players are sometimes called on to play clarinet or flute.

8. As with any individual instrument, the saxophones lend color and variety to the full ensemble sound. They are a part of the whole, and the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

[zaragemca]

Well done Brother,even when I myself was not extensive I knew that the instruments in all music have its (purpose-function)either to create the base or to enhance the project.