small-band swing (1940)
Benny Goodman, clarinet; Lionel Hampton, vibes (composer);
Charlie Christian, guitar; Gene Krupa, drums; Teddy Wilson, piano.

The small groups in the Swing Era offered the most room for improvisers to branch out. The control of the Swing Era is shown in the restraint in accompaniment. Collective improvisation is gone. Organized background riffs replace simultaneous improvising. Also of interest is the electric guitar played by Charlie Christian. He was a stand-out musician and was ahead of his time. The guitar did not catch on in jazz until late in the bebop period. Also, this ensemble was one of the first integrated bands, mixing the black and white performance traditions.