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A non-musician might call the rhythm section 'background music'. However, their importance is much greater than that. In theory (and sometimes in practice) ''any'' instrument or instruments can provide a steady rhythm (listen to Jimmy Giuffre 's clarinet-valve trombone-guitar trio of the late 1950s for example), and "rhythm" instruments often take featured solos, especially in Jazz . However, certain instruments are generally part of a rhythm section: The Drum Set and Bass Guitar (or sometimes Double Bass ) are usually the critical. Chord al instruments such as Rhythm Guitar , (sometimes Banjo ), Piano or other Keyboard Instrument s,(such as the Electric Piano ) and Vibraphone are often used, as well as auxiliary Percussion and/or other instruments. These other instruments are usually not prime contributors to the rhythm section. In some relatively uncommon instances, the lower Octave s of a piano, Organ , or Electronic Keyboard may substitute for bass guitar or double bass. One of the best known examples of this was Keyboardist Ray Manzarek of The Doors . In the absence of a Bassist , a keyboardist can also use a Keyboard Bass , or Bass Pedal s that can be played with the feet. Some jazz bands use Tuba or other low-pitched instruments in place of the more common Double Bass , either due to practical considerations (no bassist is available) or due to a preference for the alternative instrument. These substitute instruments sound different from a double bass or bass guitar, and can offer a unique quality. The tuba may be used as a means of evoking Brass Band sounds reminiscent of early jazz, such as New Orleans or Dixieland Swing. An alternative definition that I am familiar with is based on the popularity of the George & Ira Gershwin tune "I've Got Rhythm" (1930). Apparently the chord changes involved became so popular among jazz musicians of that era that backing musicians (piano, bass, drums) were so frequently called upon to improvise against these chord changes that the backing musicians themselves were eventually referred to as a "rhythm section". (some of this came from a Keyboard magazine article from the mid-nineties) |
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