Joe Corn Mo Member since Aug 29th 2010 15139 posts
Fri Jun-13-14 05:49 PM
5. "what about the big band stuff?" In response to In response to 2
there were solos, of course. but that's not what makes big band sound like big band.
the band, as a whole, has to swing. and they did it by having folks follow their charts and sheet music.
also, and this is kind of a reach, i know... but in a way the funk bros. were sort of improvising those motown songs.
smokey or holland dozier or holland would show them the chord progression and melodies, and then the funk bros. would work out the rhythm parts and basically have improvised jam sessions to get the song to fall into place.
they even had jazzy solos in the breakdowns, which is sort of in line with how big bands would work solos in.
improvosation is important for sure. but i guess what i'm saying is... those session musicans were doing more than a little bit of improvising.