Anyone played in a Big Band at all?

[ChunkyMunky]

As the title says, I'm curious to know who has played in a jazz/latin big band? I'm being offered the opportunity to join one and I've always wanted to justify my reading chops. Thanks!

[ambient]

I've done some stuff with one, great fun, and it definitely improves your sight-reading !

[Bassman Steve]

Agreed. I spent a few of my formative years playing in a big band - just watch out for the Sammy Nestico arrangements! That said, the sheer power of having a full band all around you is awesome.

[Norris]

Yes but on bass trombone, so reading dots was a necessity

[ChunkyMunky]

All upright or electric bass too?

[Jakester]

I did for years as a drummer so worked quite closely with the bassist! From my point of view the key thing in big band swing tunes is the bass leads with a pushing walking bass line and the drums hold it back - it's difficult to describe but get it right and you'll know immediately.

Obv for the more modern arrangements that doesn't always ring true, but I don't think its possible to understate the importance of the relationship between bass and drums.

[fretmeister]

Yes. On bass and then again on sax.

Love it!

[Mykesbass]

Yes, on rhythm guitar for many years. Those Sammy Nestico arrangement are great. Was lucky to have a brilliant pianist and top double bass player which made up for the dear old boy on drums!

[Bilbo]

Several and it's the best fun. Your reading improves exponentially and you get to play stuff you would otherwise never get anywhere near. I envy you.

[bassace]

Yes, we had a great big band in Reading in the sixties. Lead trumpet was a young Derek Chops Watkins, later of James Bond fame. There's nothing like playing in a BB although of course it's an expensive animal to get paying gigs with. We had some original Buddy Rich charts, one of who's time sigs was 'orgasmo furioso'. When I queried this it was explained that it meant ' go like f**k!

[lowdown]

Yep, loads over the years and generally great fun.
Everything from straight down the middle to Latin Jazz.
Does help when the band is full of good players and good readers,
otherwise it can be like wading through sludge.

[TimR]

It'll probably be a bit daunting at first but as you are a solo player you will probably get by with simplifying the parts (if necessary) and learning any solos.

What is their gig/rehearsal ratio?

I played with a band which was more of a hobby band and the players tended to meet just for their own pleasure (and a social beer afterwards). Gigs tended to be for family and friends, locally two to four times a year.

[ianrendall]

20 years playing in a big band. It's the only band I've ever been in and will never give it up. Big bands seem few and far between these days so grab the opportunity.