because though it is a smaller ensemble, there are many intricate moving parts because of how a big band is orchestrated and because the roles of each player may vary. See the notes and resources below for a starting play when listening for blend and balance in a jazz ensemble.
Melody vs. Harmony Balance
Locate the melody
Is it within a section or is it cross-sectional?
Section Balance
Listen up to the lead player within sections
Who should be the lead player?
Lead trumpet -- needs to have range, but more importantly needs to understand the style very well, may have some solos
TROMBONES
Bridge between rhythm section and the rest of the winds
Fit into the mid range --> depth and volume
If something sounds thin or weak, get trombones to play out
"meat" of the chords in the trombones --> more open spacing
Parts
Lead -- solos, guides style for section
2nd -- lots of solos
3rd -- needs solid technique, in-tune mid to low register
4th/bass -- needs the right equipment/instrument (triggers), solid rhythm
SAXOPHONES
Melodic, chords, etc.
Five of them = larger depth of sound, so balanced against many brass
Hard to get balanced as a section
Lead alto should be strong and have a brighter sound
Second alto is often the most important voice in the section for balance due to the voicings
If it sounds thin, bring out alto 2 and tenor 2
Voicings:
Closed voicing
Position of notes in a chord correspond to level of voice
Drop-to voicing (most common)
Higher notes dropped to lower voices
Parts
Lead alto -- guides style, has brighter sound (need good equipment), lots of solos
Lead tenor -- lots of solos, blend
2nd alto / 2nd tenor -- inner parts, good blend/tone and have good projection
Bari -- someone who wants to do it, rhythmic and good tone
TRUMPETS
Not as much depth of sound because the range is higher, but lots of clarity
Four-note chords (Basie four-part)
Triad w/ "lead" doubled in octaves
Listen for the lower triad for balance
Extensions of the "meat" chord --> closer spacing
Parts
Lead -- in charge of style for the whole band, some solos
2nd -- lots of solos
3rd -- needs lots of technical skills because of the complex inner parts
4th -- support, solos
Winds Balance
Players should be fairly lined up vertically
Lead parts sit behind each other
"the best players in an ensemble are the ones who can sing everyone else's parts" - Dave Stamps
Sideways, vertical, deep
Sideways --> Across individual section, Lead player to lead player, Across other sections
Vertical --> volume/dynamics, articulations
Depth --> vibrato, timbre (saxophone subtone, brass mutes, "in stand")
Winds vs. Rhythm Section Balance
Soloists placed closer to rhythm section
Rhythm section is foundation, winds sit on top
Balance here is fluid depending on the chart and the orchestration of chart sections
Rhythm Section Balance
Bass may be too boom-y
Add highs, roll back the lows
Leave mids neutral
You want to be able to "feel it" but not rattling you
Set ap volume to accommodate loudest playing volume so that the softer dynamics come out more
Fundamental unit - needs to be balanced within in order to be balanced without
RESOURCES
Blend & Balance -- Jazz Academy Teacher's Toolkit
Achieving Good Ensemble Balance & Blend (PDF)