Soloists & Small Ensembles

Jazz is characterized by incorporating improvisational elements into a group setting. In big bands, improvisation may be limited to soloist's breaks, where players take turns strutting their stuff. In smaller ensembles, improvisation may be done in turns or as an ensemble. With more room to fly, small ensembles have driven the development of jazz improvisation -- think of stand-outs like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Oscar Peterson, and others who developed their individual voices in the context of small ensembles. In this section, we look at the great soloists and small groups who have influenced the development of jazz -- and continue to influence it today.