Big Band Techniques:

Listening Across the Band

One of the key components of a successful big band is the ability for the individual players to play their parts correctly with an ear toward their section and the other sections of the band. Many big band parts layer and trade unique lines between sections, and a band’s ability to play well together depends upon awareness from each musician to the music around them.

As we discussed in our “Blend and Balance” lesson, this concept is driven by the lead players in each section. Be sure to emphasize the sound of each lead player playing together, then add in the other players in each section and turn their awareness to the other parts in the band.

The musical excerpt for this lesson is a tune entitled “Every Tub” from the Count Basie Orchestra, a swinging chart based upon the chord changes to Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm”. It’s a classic example of layering swinging riffs and lines in each section, and it presents a good opportunity to focus on each section, driven by its lead player.

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