Jazz Band

A jazz band (or jazz ensemble) is a musical ensemble that plays jazz music usually without a conductor. Jazz bands usually consist of a thythm section and a horn section. During the jazz and swing eras in the mid-twentieth century, the most successful jazz orchestras also employed strings and harp in expanded arrangements, but their presence on the bandstand was more for visual impact and not as a key component of the ensemble, although the unique timbres of the strings and harp combined with the band as a whole provided an extra layer of ear-pleasing sonorities.

The rhythm section of a jazz band consists of the percussion, double bass or bass guitar and usually at least one instrument capable of playing chords, such as a piano, guitar, hammond organ or vibes. Large early jazz bands such as Paul WHiteman's employed two pianos, an accordion and banjo. The rhythm section is the foundation for the band; it sets the feel for the piece.

The horn section consists of winds and brass instruments, which play the melody and main accompaiment. Typical horns found in a big jazz band include 4 to 5 trumpets, saxophones (2-3 altos, 2 tenors, and a baritone), 3-4 trombones and a bass trombone. The saxophones may also double on flute, clarinet, bass clarinet and a soprano saxophone, the trumpets on flugel horn, and the bass trombone on tuba.