When one thinks of big band jazz music, one is filled with a sense of fun. This type of music is easily recognizable by either its soulful sounds, or its swinging melodies. Big band jazz music is popular at functions such as weddings, because it is the type of music that incites even the most boring person to at least tap his feet.
History
Incorporating various styles of jazz music into their repertoire, big band jazz music orchestras were at their most popular from the mid 1920s through the 1950s. Depending on the song, one could expect to either dance to a romantic, soulful song, or an energetic, fast-paced one. Big band jazz music orchestras were most prevalent in fashionable dance halls, and as such became a main staple of what came to be known as the swing era.
Big band jazz music became a signifier for the youth of the swing era. The vibrancy of youth was reflected in the playing of drums, trumpets, double basses, pianos, and drums. In fact, if one looks at many movies targeted towards younger audiences during that time, such as movies starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, it is not uncommon to see a scene in which many young people are dancing to the sounds of big band jazz music.
Popular Orchestras
During the swing era, there were many big band jazz music orchestras. Some stayed together for a long time, while others got lost in the crowd. Two of the most popular bands of the time were the Jaco Pastorius Big Band, and the Gil Evans Orchestra. The Jaco Pastorius Big Band played a style of jazz music known as fusion. Fusion, which now incorporates electronic music as well as R&B, back then mainly incorporated rock music into its unique sound. The Gil Evans Orchestra played the cool form of jazz music, which was a form of jazz that was originated by white musicians in California.
Although not as popular as it once was, big band jazz music continues to enthrall audiences all over the United States on a regular basis. Such music evokes a sense of the past, as well as the fast-paced nature of the present. Its rhythm, along with its ability to be combined with newer forms of music, means that it will not be leaving the music scene any time in the near future.
