Jazz combo

A jazz combo is a group of jazz musicians (between the trio and octet format) in which each instrument is only represented once and in which the traditional division of labor between a pure rhythm section and solo winds is no longer maintained.

Combos, which are separated from the big band (but also the larger-sized middle band ), are also the standard line-up for appearances in jazz clubs . It depends on the long-term existence of the band and the interests of its members, whether rather jazz standards or also or predominantly their own compositions are played.

The combos can be understood as the nucleus of new ideas, as the musicians are entitled to the greatest possible freedom. In contrast to the larger formations, fewer fixed arrangements are played.

Groups of old-time jazz are usually not referred to as combo, because there a rigid division between melody and rhythm group severely limits the possibilities for combo jazz.

Well-known combos (small selection)

• Modern Jazz Quartet
• Chico Hamilton Quintet
• Esbjörn Svensson Trio
• Miles Davis Quintet

literature

• Carlo Bohländer , Karl Heinz Holler, Christian Pfarr: Reclam's Jazz Guide . 5th, revised and supplemented edition. Reclam, Stuttgart 2000, ISBN 3-15-010464-5 .