TrumpetMaster - View Single Post

Solar Bell · 06-10-2008, 06:24 PM

Big band era or modern era
Which type of big band music do you prefer?
The big bands/swing bands of the 30s & 40’s, or the new big bands working now.
I prefer the 6 brass of the old bands like Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Count Basie, etc. used in the swing era.
I liked all the back and forth interplay between the sections.
I prefer the drummers that kept thing together while driving the band without being overpowering.
The bass that was more felt than heard.
I really liked the MELODIC solos that the players played then, as opposed to some guys now that play every note on the horn. The old bands had melodies and solos that told a story.

The newer big bands, in my opinion just don’t do that. The screaming is WAY overdone and the solos just seem to be “Chromatic searching” if you know what I mean.
There is a wall of sound that comes at you in the modern big bands that to me isn’t always the way I like to hear things.

These are just my thoughts, what are yours?

06-10-2008, 06:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Solar Bell Moderator Fortissimo User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 4,258	Swing Era or Modern Era? Big band era or modern era Which type of big band music do you prefer? The big bands/swing bands of the 30s & 40’s, or the new big bands working now. I prefer the 6 brass of the old bands like Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Count Basie, etc. used in the swing era. I liked all the back and forth interplay between the sections. I prefer the drummers that kept thing together while driving the band without being overpowering. The bass that was more felt than heard. I really liked the MELODIC solos that the players played then, as opposed to some guys now that play every note on the horn. The old bands had melodies and solos that told a story. The newer big bands, in my opinion just don’t do that. The screaming is WAY overdone and the solos just seem to be “Chromatic searching” if you know what I mean. There is a wall of sound that comes at you in the modern big bands that to me isn’t always the way I like to hear things. These are just my thoughts, what are yours? __________________ Chuck Willard *The Willard of Oz* "Don't be afraid to see what you see." Ronald Reagan