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If you’re thinking of assembling your own jazz band then here is a list of jazz instruments that you and your future band mates should be able to master in order to create the unique and tantalizing blend of sounds that only jazz music can create.
Piano
It’s definitely the most commonly known and used instrument in jazz, but it’s also the most expensive. It would be nice if you can find a musician who already has his own keyboard or actual baby or grand piano for that matter. But if not, it’s possible that you’ll find a lot of venues with pianos available on site and which you can use during your set.
Saxophone
The saxophone is also one of the most popular jazz instruments because of the unique sound it’s able to produce. Saxophones have a great resemblance to clarinets, which is why most people end up mistaking one for the other. Charlie Parker is one of the best known saxophonists in the world of jazz and if your band’s saxophonist is still in the experimental stage, he’s sure to find inspiration by listening to Parker’s albums.
Clarinet
The clarinet’s body can either be made of metal, wood, ivory, or even plastic. Like other brass instruments, it has a reed connected to its mouthpiece and through which the player blows air and creates music. Benny Goodman is one of jazz’s most popular clarinet players and it would do your band well if you’re to listen to his many famous collaborations and learn from it.
Trumpet
The trumpet is also another popular jazz instrument that belongs to the brass family. In fact, most jazz bands tend to consist of a mix of purely keyboard and brass instruments. Some, however, may feature percussion instruments as well, but this is not as common.
While you may have a hard time finding someone who plays the clarinet or sax, you’ll be happy to know that finding a trumpeter is almost as easy as finding a pianist. After all, trumpets are often part of the lineup of most school marching bands.
Once you have all these instruments ticked off in your to-do list, you just have two more tasks to complete. First, look for a vocalist – jazz instrumentals are all well and good, but there are times when songs sound fairly incomplete without vocal and lyrical accompaniment. And finally, don’t forget to choose a name for your band – one that can hopefully stay with you from the start and all the way to the top!
Lou S. Habash is a jazz dance instructor. Like this Facebook page for more information on all things jazz.
