Jazz Combos

The most common ensemble in jazz is the small group or combo. These groups are often named according to the number of members - two is a duo, three a trio, four a quartet, five a quintet, six a sextet, seven a septet, eight an octet, nine a nonet.

The usual instrumentation for a combo has changed over time but has generally included one to three horn players and a rhythm section consisting of a chordal instrument, a bass instrument, and percussion. This type of instrumentation offers the members considerable flexibility in that the players can improvise much of their own parts without the chaos that would ensue if a larger ensemble offered its members as much freedom. Yet because all the major categories or roles of instruments are covered - melody, chordal, bass, and percussion - a well-balanced sound can be achieved.