I went to watch a Chicago tribute band. Even the band covering the songs sound fantastic. That's 'cause they were great songs and they played almost the exact arrangements that made them great songs.

I've often wondered how did they get that harsh sound from the horns that was their trademark. Were the horns out of tune? Were the arrangements using 4th's and 5th's? They certainly don't have the Glenn Miller sound?

I feel that they put tension in their music. One of the ways they may be putting tension in their music: Whenever you play notes that do not agree with the chord being played, and then quickly resolve it back to a chord that blends you have created tension. A simple but effect thought. That works best with the brass instruments.

I am sure there is a good size list that they use like – change in volume and what’s in their hearts. If it’s good it’s always the guy who is playing

John C.

As John said its a dissonance resolving to a basic Harmony.
Simple EX; Csus4 to C Tension to release to keep the listeners attention.

Look here https://musescore.com/user/12929481/scores/3006886 and maybe that will show you more.

Always loved that band until they started sounding like Air Supply with their sappy love songs. I remember hearing a Chicgo Trubute Band in Wildwood Nj and when they got into one of those dragging ballads the bartender yelled "Blow them Damn Horns" LOL

Lots of tension and resolve, but more important than that, is the horn licks are written as a part of the melody structure, not an augmentation. The melody and horns combine as one entity. That's why it works so well. The arrangements are more important than the tone or tune.

My boys.