by Alyn

Created on: November 18, 2009

Neither the saxophone or the clarinet is better for jazz. Here, I am speaking of which instruments should be used in the front line or front row of the big band format. The standard big band usually has a front row of five saxophones, a row of trombones, a row of trumpets, and 3 or 4 "rhythm instruments". The rhythm section usually includes a piano, drums, string bass or electric bass, and possibly a guitar. Somewhere around 18 instruments make up the typical big band. These instruments are placed in various positions or formats to produce what we commonly call the big band sound. In the past, this same group was also called a dance band or stage band or even a jazz band. All the sections are fairly standard except for the so called sax section. Trumpets are trumpets, but they can be varied in size and sound as regular trumpets, cornets, bass trumpets, flue-gal horns, etc. The trombone section can include regular trombones, bass trombones, valved trombones, etc. Infrequently, a tuba will be added to give an even lower brass sound than can be provided by the trombone. The rhythm section usually provides a distinct rhythm or beat that acts as a foundation for the big band to build upon. The rhythm section instruments can also be called upon for solos, but they are usually providing a very steady beat that drives the distinct sounding qualities of the big band.

Now, getting back to that front line ensemble or section that is typically made up of five saxophone players. They are usually two alto "saxes", two tenor saxes, and a baritone or bari sax. This can vary with other possibilities such as the soprano sax and the bass sax, or rarely a contra bass sax (that is if you can find a player with enough lung power). But, here is where the sax section becomes very different from the other sections. These front line musicians are often also expected to perform or "double" on many other so called woodwind or reed instruments. These other instruments include the clarinet, flute, oboe, and bassoon. To confound this variety, one call also see variations such as E flat clarinet and bass clarinet; piccolo, alto, and bass flute; English horn; and contra bassoon.The fifth sax man was commonly known as the bus driver's nightmare because he usually played the widest assortment of instruments. These days, not many big bands go too much beyond using just regular saxophones. In the past, this tremendous variety of reed instruments made for very delightful musical variations. Each band leader had his own concoction of reed instruments that gave his band an identifying sound slightly or dramatically different from another big band.

So, to ask which instrument is better for jazz: the saxophone or clarinet; in my opinion neither is best. All the reed instruments are best depending on what the band wants to sound like and what the audience wants to hear.

Learn more about this author, Alyn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.