Famous Big Bands
This big band was led by a trombonist who disappeared mysteriously during World War II.
Who was Glenn Miller?
This song, written by Duke Ellington, claims that "It don't mean a thing if it ain't got" this.
What is swing?
This 2016 film features a young drummer who struggles to impress his harsh jazz instructor.
What is Whiplash?
This instrument, known for its high, brassy sound, is commonly the lead voice in big band music.
What is the trumpet?
This term describes jazz music that has a swinging, syncopated rhythm.
What is "swing"?
Known for his signature white suit and clarinet skills, he led a band that brought jazz to Carnegie Hall in 1938.
Who was Benny Goodman?
This jazz standard by Miles Davis shares its name with a color and is one of the most famous jazz compositions of all time.
What is "Blue in Green"?
This big band classic by Count Basie was featured in the 1983 movie The Right Stuff.
What is "April in Paris"?
This reed instrument often plays the melody and is essential in big band saxophone sections.
What is the alto saxophone?
This style of jazz, popularized by Louis Armstrong, emphasizes solo improvisation.
What is "Dixieland"?
This pianist and bandleader was known for his "jungle style" sound and wrote "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)."
Who was Duke Ellington?
Composed by Freddie Hubbard, this tune’s name suggests a kind of explosive device.
What is "The Red Clay"?
The song "Skyfall" was performed by this British pop artist for a James Bond movie soundtrack.
Who is Adele?
This term describes a section of music where each musician takes turns improvising.
What is "trading fours"?
This type of musical figure is a short, repeated phrase.
What is a riff?
This trumpet-playing bandleader helped pioneer Latin jazz and was known for "Manteca."
Who was Dizzy Gillespie?
This high-energy piece by Gordon Goodwin, known for its intricate rhythm, is a popular big band tune.
What is "The Jazz Police"?
This jazz legend composed and performed the soundtrack for the 1958 French film Ascenseur pour l'échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows).
Who is Miles Davis?
This term refers to the repeated rhythmic figure that forms the basis of many jazz and Latin tunes.
What is an "ostinato"?
This type of jazz features a complex, fast-paced style and was popularized in the 1940s.
What is "bebop"?
This big band leader was famous for his "New Testament" band and pieces like Flight of the Foo Birds.
Who was Count Basie?
This iconic song by Herbie Hancock has a funky, electronic sound that influenced many jazz musicians.
What is "Chameleon"?
This jazz trumpeter created the soundtrack for Bird, a movie about Charlie Parker.
Who was Dizzy Gillespie?
This piano technique involves striking the keys in a rhythmic "oom-pah" fashion, often seen in early jazz.
What is stride piano?
This term refers to the smooth, legato style of jazz singing made popular by artists like Frank Sinatra.
What is "crooning"?