SHOUT CHORUS

In a traditional sense, the shout chorus is the pinnacle of the big band chart. Similar to the development section in Sonata Allegro form. This is where the writer can exhibit his skills, creating something new and different within the arrangement. This is the most exciting part of the chart. In much of today's contemporary jazz writing the shout chorus is no longer a tutti section, where everyone plays the same rhythm. It has become more subdued and sophisticated - less stereotypical of the big band era. Listen to the music of Maria Schneider and Jim McNeely.

Most of the examples below represent the traditional approach.

• There Is No Greater Love - One and half choruses of swinging shout chorus after an improvised trumpet solo. The solo trumpet returns on the bridge keeping the form of the tune intact.

• Hubtones - Two blues choruses after the solo section.

• Entropical Paradise - An example of a truly developmental shout section. Various motifs from the melody have been developed and new material added to create variety. After the shout the melody returns at the bridge.

• The Cheese That Time Forgot - Two choruses of blues. Begins soft and increases intensity to introduce the tenor solo.

• The Cheese That Time Forgot - Two choruses of blues after the solo. Picks up the momentum created by the soloist.