Symphonic jazz, dance orchestras

Movement · 1920s · New York · Swing and big bands

In New York in the 1920s, large arranged orchestras combine jazz rhythms with a symphonic lineup. Paul Whiteman, the "King of Jazz", is its figurehead; his Aeolian Hall concert (1924) ends with the premiere of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Fletcher Henderson, Don Redman and then Ellington extend this writing toward the big band.

What is still debated

The term "jazz" applied to Whiteman is debated: a written orchestra, little improvisation.

Where it comes from

• Harlem: Henderson, Redman, Ellington
• Dixieland (ODJB, 1917)
• Third stream

What it gave rise to or influenced

• Swing, big bands
• Jazz in France (interwar years)

Artists

• Paul Whiteman (1890–1967, violin, viola, conductor)
• Ben Bernie (1891–1943, violin, conductor)
• Fred Astaire (1899–1987, vocals, dance)
• Jean Goldkette (1893–1962, piano, conductor)

Tracks to start with

• Rhapsody in Blue — Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra (George Gershwin, piano) (1924)
• Sweet Georgia Brown — Ben Bernie and His Hotel Roosevelt Orchestra (1925)
• Fascinating Rhythm — Fred Astaire & Adele Astaire (George Gershwin, piano) (1926)
• Willow Weep for Me (Paul Whiteman, 1932) — Paul Whiteman Orchestra (chant : Irene Taylor) (1932)
• Doin' the Racoon — Grégor et ses Grégoriens (1929)

Sources

• EN : Symphonic jazz

Facts checked against these pages (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA). Method and licenses