The DLO Big Band at the Don Lawrence Amphitheater in Marantette Park, Columbia Falls, Montana, with our founder and mentor Don Lawrence.  At 93 years of age, Don still assists the DLO with arrangements, guidance, and the wisdom of 70+ years of big band experience.

Below are samples of the music we play.  These are unique arrangements exclusive to the DLO.  The Beauty of Montana is an original composition inspired by the late Nina H. Russel, who provided the lyrics and melody to Don Lawrence, who then composed the arrangement.

You can listen to more songs performed by the DLO on Facebook and YouTube.  Just click on the Facebook or YouTube icons below.  The song titles below are, left to right:

The Shadow of Your Smile

Beauty of Montana

East of the Sun

Take the A Train

The DLO Big Band was founded on July 24th of 1984, and has been playing ever since.  For 40 years the DLO has played dances, concerts, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, fund raisers, cruises, and special events of all varieties.

The repertoire offered by the DLO Big Band is broad, including swing, jazz, blues, Latin, pop, and rock.  We play both "stock" arrangements and several unique and original arrangements exclusive to the DLO Big Band.

Big Bands have left an indelible mark on the history of music.  These large ensembles, characterized by their grandiose sound and powerful brass sections, have been a defining feature of American music for nearly a century.

Section 1: The Birth of the Big Band (1920s)

1.1. Jazz Roots

Big bands emerged in the 1920s during the Jazz Age, a period of cultural transformation in the United States. Jazz music provided the foundation for big bands, with artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Fletcher Henderson pioneering the ensemble format.

1.2. Early Lineup

Early big bands typically consisted of a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, and guitar) and a horn section. Trumpets, trombones, and saxophones formed the core of the horn section, creating the signature sound.

1.3. The Roaring Twenties

Big bands were the soundtrack of the Roaring Twenties, playing at dance halls and speakeasies, and captivating audiences with their energetic and syncopated music.

Section 2: The Swing Era (1930s-1940s)

2.1. The Great Depression

The 1930s marked the height of the big band era, with jazz evolving into swing. Bands like Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller led the way, providing a sense of hope and joy during the Great Depression.

2.2. Iconic Arrangers

Arrangers, such as Fletcher Henderson, Billy Strayhorn, and Jimmy Mundy, played a crucial role in shaping the big band sound. Their intricate compositions and arrangements set the stage for the golden age of swing.

2.3. Cultural Impact

Swing music and big bands were a significant part of American culture, inspiring dance crazes like the Lindy Hop and becoming a defining feature of the World War II era.

Section 3: The Decline and Evolution (1950s-Present)

3.1. The Decline of Swing

As World War II ended, big bands started to decline in popularity. Factors like the musicians' strike of 1942 and the rise of smaller, more cost-effective combos contributed to this decline.

3.2. Evolution and Fusion

Despite the decline, big bands continued to evolve. Artists like Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington adapted to changing musical trends and experimented with new styles, incorporating elements of bebop, Latin music, and even rock.

3.3. Resurgence and Modern Era

In the late 20th century, big bands experienced a resurgence. Artists like the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra helped revive the big band tradition. Today, many contemporary jazz ensembles continue to pay homage to the classic big band sound while infusing it with modern sensibilities.  The DLO is just such an ensemble, keeping the big band sound alive and vibrant.

Section 4: Legacy and Influence

4.1. Impact on Music

Big bands have left an enduring legacy, influencing various music genres, including pop, rock, and R&B. Their arrangements and brass sections have become iconic and continue to be emulated by contemporary artists.

4.2. Cultural Significance

Big bands remain an important part of cultural history, representing the exuberance of the Jazz Age, the resilience of the Great Depression, and the unity of the World War II era. They continue to evoke a sense of nostalgia and celebration.  Today, in the 21st century, big bands continue to bring energy and diversity to the musical world, as only a big band can!

Conclusion

The history of big bands is a remarkable journey through the 20th century, and now continuing into the 21st century, evolving along the way to bring the melodic energy of the big band sound to future generations. From their roots in the Jazz Age to their peak during the Swing Era and their continued influence on modern music, big bands have played a pivotal role in shaping the musical landscape. Their vibrant, unique sound and the cultural impact they made ensure that they will forever be remembered as an integral part of the American musical tradition.