What is a Jazz Ensemble?
A Jazz Ensemble is a small group that performs jazz music, although to break it down further, it can also perform rock, funk, fusion, swing, shuffle, blues, and many other styles that typically fall under the category of jazz. Typical instrumentation is: 2 Alto Saxophones 2 Tenor Saxophones 1 Baritone Saxophone 4 Trumpets 4 Trombones Electric Guitar Piano Bass (Electric or Upright) Drum Set In the past, there were Jazz Orchestras and the so-called “Big Bands” that had expanded instrumentation, some of which even included string sections, most of which included a vocalist. Examples of these are the Count Basie Orchestra, the Buddy Rich Big Band, and the Glen Miller Band.
