”The Study of Big Bands”. There have been lots content written about big bands from the fabled Big Band Era. However, the big band has lived through some miraculous periods of time. Some people think the idea and genre of the big band are ”dead”. I totally disagree. In my area of the country there areover 30 big bands that are involved with schools, communities and that play professionally. Let’s talk about how it all affects the music world!
Episodes
Wednesday Sep 23, 2020
Wednesday Sep 23, 2020
Sometimes the most important part of any project or performance is deciding how to start. It can set the tone for everything that comes after.
This week we talk about different styles of openers you can choose for your performance and the impact they can have on your audience.
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
Thursday Sep 03, 2020
It's amazing how many times you will hear names like Ellington, Basie, Goodman and others in the lyrics of songs from other genres. This episode looks at stylistic as well as personal references to big band legends. Check it out!!
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
Wednesday Aug 26, 2020
So what exactly is considered Big Band music? It's a wide subject with plenty to look at. Check out this weeks episode as we listen, talk and try to figure out what is big band music?
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
Thursday Aug 20, 2020
The Basie Straight Ahead album christened the beginning of the band's relationship with composer arranger Sammy Nestico that lasted for 10 albums and 14 years.
This 1968 album is a big band staple and many of the charts are still in regular rotation in bands around the world. We talk about the intricatecies of Sammy's writing style and how these charts can really help teach a band to listen and play together.
Wednesday Aug 12, 2020
Wednesday Aug 12, 2020
...then there's the person up front. The one that gets there early and leaves late, puts the books together and gets the gigs. We talk about the role of Band Leader with Bassist/Composer/Arranger Kris Berg on how he leads his bands and what you need to do to be successful
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Tuesday Jul 21, 2020
Many of the big bands throughout history have had great soloists and players as their Lead Tenor Saxophone. The workload can be intense. Not only do you have to blend in the section, sometimes you lead the section (depending on how the arranger voices melodies and solis) and you get to play a lot of solos.
This week we hear from many great lead tenors that helped define and propel the sound of a band. Check this out!
Monday Jul 13, 2020
Monday Jul 13, 2020
We're back and pushing on with Building The Big Band and talking about the chair with the most change and effect on the group over the past 50 years...the Guitar!
North Texas State University graduate Dan Bruce joins me as we talk about how the guitar has evolved in a big band, how to work together with piano players and what the best approach is to make sure that you are heard just enough. Dan's playing is also featured with the Skatch Anderssen Orchestra during his interview.
Thursday Jul 09, 2020
Thursday Jul 09, 2020
Tune in this week as we talk about the role of the Guitar in a big band! Over the past few decades, the guitar has become an essential part of the orchestration for modern big band music. I talk about that and lots more with UNT grad Dan Bruce.
Tune in and check it out this Monday!!
Monday Jun 29, 2020
Monday Jun 29, 2020
This week, it's group therapy talking about the Inner Voices of the Big Band!
I talk about the the rest of the trumpet section, the middle bones and the inner sax parts. Check out how important they all.
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
Saturday Jun 27, 2020
Hey everyone! I got a trailer...for this weeks episode!!
There are many unsung heroes in a typical big band. They are the players known as the inner voices. They provide the opportunity that allow composers to fill in the orchestration so the band can create wide, deep, full sounds..
Don't be fooled. These players are soloists in their own way because everyone has their own part to play.
We get into more of what you should know hanging if you want to out on the inside of your typical big band. Coming up this Monday. Don't miss it!!