by Paul Klemperer

Big Band Jazz: An Austin Resource

Historically, big band music has an important place in jazz. Most of us are familiar with what is often called the "Golden Era" of big band music, emerging in the 1920s and lasting through World War II. Big band jazz was commercially supplanted by other musical styles, but it has maintained a niche in both commercial and educational musical institutions. You can hear big band music in casino towns like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, and in most college and university music departments across the country. Lately, with the swing dance trend still going strong, certain local big bands have been able to make some bucks on the club circuit.

Big band jazz, although historically linked to ballrooms and dance clubs, is also concert music. It incorporates improvisation into written composition in what can be very complex arrangements. The music is a challenge for the players on several levels. They must work together like an orchestra, blending individual tone and rhythmic sense. But they must also express their energy and creativity to make the music come alive. It is an excellent way to teach ensemble and individual musical skills, which is why big bands have become an essential part of most music departments in higher education.

But there are also community big bands, formed and maintained outside of institutional frameworks, held together only by the desire and commitment of their members. These bands represent the best spirit of the music, as their purpose is simply to entertain and educate the community from which they draw their membership and support. I have been fortunate to be associated with two such bands here in Austin: the Austin Jazz Band, and the Stageband Workshop.

The Austin Jazz Band is directed by Bob Davis and performs in a variety of settings throughout the year, including festivals, schools and nightclubs. You can see the AJB periodically at Antone's, the Elephant Room and other local watering holes. Some of its members also appear with Tony Campise's big band, which performs the first Tuesday of each month at the Elephant Room.

The Stageband Workshop, directed by J.W. Davis and coordinated by Jeff Flagg, is likewise a nonprofit outfit dedicated to educating the Austin community through music. Formed in 1981, the SW remains committed to education, allowing players to hone their musical skills while bringing big band jazz to parts of Austin which may never otherwise get to hear it.

Jeff Flagg gives an example of the SW's approach: "One of our performances celebrated Black History Month at Maplewood Elementary for Maplewood's students, their parents, and the faculty and staff at that school. The students researched and presented introductions about the various composers, arrangers, or performers we would then feature." For more information on the Stageband Workshop's events, you can visit their website.

Whether you are a fan of big band jazz or have never really listened to it before, I highly recommend catching the Austin Jazz Band and the Stageband Workshop whenever they make public appearances. These events help bring together the young and the old, introducing some to another part of the jazz tradition, and reminding others of the music they grew up with. Check it out and get in the swing!