Word: Big Band
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: A big band is a large musical group that plays jazz or dance music. It usually has many musicians, including sections for brass instruments (like trumpets and trombones), woodwinds (like saxophones), and a rhythm section (like drums, bass, and piano). In a big band performance, some musicians often play improvised solos, which means they create their music on the spot without written notes.
Usage Instructions:
When to Use: You can use the term "big band" when talking about music, especially jazz or dance music from the early to mid-20th century. It's often associated with swing music and dance halls.
Example Sentence: "We went to a concert where a big band played all our favorite swing songs."
Advanced Usage:
In Context: In music history, big bands were very popular during the 1930s and 1940s. Some famous big band leaders include Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller.
Example in Context: "The big band era produced many timeless classics that are still celebrated today."
Word Variants:
Big Band Era: Refers to the time period when big bands were most popular, mainly the 1930s and 1940s.
Big Band Music: Refers to the style of music played by big bands, often featuring complex arrangements and lively rhythms.
Different Meanings:
Synonyms:
Jazz Orchestra: A term that can be used similarly to "big band," especially when referring to a large group that plays jazz.
Dance Band: A more general term that can refer to any band that plays music for dancing, which can include big bands.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
While "big band" itself does not have widely used idioms or phrasal verbs, the term can appear in phrases related to music and jazz culture, such as: - "Get in the swing of things" - This means to start to enjoy or participate in an activity, often used in the context of dancing to big band music. - "Cut a rug" - An informal way to say to dance, especially to upbeat music like that played by big bands.