Swing / Big Band

Swing and Big Band music is a jazz style from the 1930s–40s characterized by a steady, lilting rhythmic “swing feel” and large ensembles (typically 12–25 musicians) divided into saxophone, trumpet, and trombone sections. It emphasizes arranged, ensemble-based playing over solo improvisation, with a driving rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass, drums). Popularized by bandleaders like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, it was designed for dancing and features memorable riffs, call-and-response patterns, and a polished, energetic sound.