making the scene by Alex Stewart

Softcover
398 pgs.
University of California Press, Publ.

In "Making the Scene, Contemporary New York City Big Band Jazz", Alex Stewart describes how jazz musicians have found big bands valuable, not only as compositional and skill-building resources but also for making social contacts. In addition, he explores the rich "rehearsal band" scene in New York and the rise of repertory orchestras. "Making the Scene" combines historical research, ethnography, and participant observation with musical analysis, ethnic studies, and gender theory to dismantle stereotypical views of the big band. A jazzman himself, Stewart discusses the creative interactions of composers and improvising musicians, and shares insider perspectives on contemporary big bands from avant-garde and Latin ensembles to mainstream jazz orchestras.