Big band vs jazz combo?

[osmarokuma]

So I started playing big band bass (middle school) but then during my senior year in school I went to gigs as small ensamble settings in quintet, cuartet... even a sax trio. Now im in college and I have to play as the bassist in the college big band. I realized how different they are, from reading the music to improvising to the kind of sound you have to put out.

I just want to know what everyone prefers, personally I like the smaller ensamble setting because it just gives me more freedom to do stuff, you know, Evans stuff. I just dont feel so satisfied walking in those big bands and getting the occasional hits...etc. Its not that I dont like it either, i mean, its music...but I just prefer the other setting over big band.

how bout u?

[fdeck]

Both are a blast in their own ways. There's a big band in Madison composed of top players, and I get to play with them as a sub once in a while. They are pretty adventuresome in terms of chart selection, and they have a huge book. I enjoy the challenge. There's no dropping back if you get tired or if the part is just a bit over your head.

But the economics dictate that most work is in the combo setting, and it has its own attractions... the spontaneity and tighter interaction between players.

To each his own. But if big-band is your only chance to practice and develop your reading skills, then don't give it up.

[osmarokuma]

the spontaneity and tighter interaction between players is what attracts me the most. While you can still have that interaction in big band, its way more open in small ensambles. However what I like about big band is the amazing amount of energy that can be produced with all the horns.