Fred said:
I've never played any big band material and don't really understand this statement. Can somebody explain the difference between vintage big band charts and modern day charts? Or styles? I'm serious - I'm not challenging the statement at all - just trying to learn.
Fred, I"ll attempt to answer your question and I obviously invite others to chime in with their thoughts as well.....
First off, I'd recommend listening to some original recordings of Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller, both from the 1938-45 timeframe. Then, I'd tell you to listen to some Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Gordon Goodwin's "Big and Phat" Band and perhaps some Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band stuff, mostly recorded from the 1965-today timeframe. To me, the most obvious differences are first: Vibrato's have changed/evolved tremendously and secondly, the way articulations are played by contemporary (today's) jazz musicians are much different. Simply put, big band stuff recorded (roughly) between '36-'45 was played with very short, crisp, almost stacatto-ish figures, while more contemporary stuff is played a tad longer and "fatter". Lastly, think about the evolution of not only each instrument over the yrs, but how section playing has evolved/changed. Listen to how old big band drummers very rarely (if ever) used the ride cymbal. The use of the hi-hat and "four on the floor" was the norm. of the day. In my opinion, Mel Lewis and Buddy Rich really changed big band drumming. Interestingly enough, I have both recordings and video of Buddy playing with Artie Shaw's band back in '39 and he was a VERY different drummer technique-wise back then compared to how he played the kit in his mid to later yrs.
That's just the tip of the iceberg! Do some listening and I think there will be more and more obvious differences that you'll find.
Hope this gets you started....
John