Saxophones — warmth and song
The saxophone section sits at the front and is the heart of the big band. In our orchestra there are two alto saxophones, two tenor saxophones and a baritone saxophone. The saxophones often carry the melody in full chords — that soft, singing sound you imagine when you think of swing.
Trombones — power and depth
Behind the saxophones sit the trombones. They give the orchestra body and depth and can sound velvety or crushing. Among the trombonists is bandleader Zdeněk Krám — and the orchestra was founded in 1986 by a trombonist too, Milan Hart.
Trumpets — shine and climaxes
The trumpets sit at the back and on top. They are the moments when the whole hall sits up — high notes, sharp accents, the final climaxes of the songs. Four trumpets together are one of the strongest sounds an acoustic orchestra can produce.
Rhythm section — the engine of the orchestra
Piano, guitar, bass guitar and drums. The rhythm section holds the tempo and harmony and gives swing its typical “swinging” pulse. Without it, the horns would have nothing to stand on.
Soloists
The singers stand in front of the orchestra. In Big Band Karlovy Vary they are jazz singer David Kleňha and singer Mirka Lendělová.
Why it sounds the way it does
The magic of a big band is the conversation between the sections. The saxophones ask a question, the trumpets answer, the trombones underline it and the rhythm section makes it all swing. This principle is called call and response and you will find it in every classic swing arrangement — from Duke Ellington to Count Basie. More about them in Four names that hold swing together.