Briefly discuss the big bands of the swing era. Focus your discussion on the contributions of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman
What will be an ideal response?
Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington (1899-1974)
pianist, composer, band leader
the Ellington sound: unique use of instrumental color
due to the imagination of Ellington himself (in addition to writing partner from 1938, Billy Strayhorn)
due to the individual players in his band
broad range as a composer
instrumental (primarily) and vocal music
pioneered writing more complex works for jazz ensemble
Count Basie (1904-84)
Kansas City "jump" style
hard-driving beat
Count Basie called it "four heavy beats to a bar, and no cheating."
closely akin to the drive of boogie-woogie
remembered more for his piano and band-leader skills than as a composer
Benny Goodman (1909-86)
white clarinetist and band leader (big bands and small)
formal music education: played both classical and jazz styles
acknowledged his African American jazz heritage
many of his arrangements: Fletcher Henderson
among them, guitarist Charlie Christian
one of the first to incorporate black musicians in his ensembles
brought jazz to a new level of popularity and acceptance as dance music
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