backing band
Behind the singer
A backing band is a group of musicians who accompany a featured performer, providing instrumental support while the star handles lead vocals or a solo instrument.
The term implies a secondary role: She toured with a backing band of session musicians.
Some backing bands achieve recognition in their own right, but the arrangement typically keeps attention on the headliner.
Supporting band members
- session playersHired studio instrumentalists
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- lineupOrdered list of participants
- accompanistOne who plays alongside
instrumentalist · rhythm section · horn section · strings · keyboardist · guitarist · bassist · drummer
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- tempoRate of musical performance
- percussionSound through impact
- bassDeep pitch or fish
syncopation · drummer · cadence · swing · downbeat · upbeat · pocket · timekeeping
Raised performance platform
- gigShort-term paid work
- concertLive musical performance
- tourPlanned multi-destination journey
- festivalOrganized public celebration
venue · encore · soundcheck · setlist · amplifier · microphone · speaker · lights
Sung musical parts
- harmonizeBring into agreement
- chorusSingers performing together
- blendCombine into mixture
- accompanimentSupplementary support element
counterpoint · duet · chord · intonation · pitch · arrangement · unison · thirds
sidemen
Supporting band members
- session playersHired studio instrumentalists
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
- lineupOrdered list of participants
accompanist · instrumentalist · rhythm section · horn section · strings · keyboardist · guitarist · bassist · drummer · vocalist
beat
Rhythmic pulse or strike
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- tempoRate of musical performance
- percussionSound through impact
bass · syncopation · drummer · cadence · swing · downbeat · upbeat · pocket · timekeeping · pulse
stage
Raised performance platform
festival · venue · encore · soundcheck · setlist · amplifier · microphone · speaker · lights · audience
vocals
Sung musical parts
accompaniment · counterpoint · duet · chord · intonation · pitch · arrangement · unison · thirds · fifths
synergy
Combined effect exceeding components
- teamworkJoint effort toward shared aim
- interplayReciprocal action between things
- rapportHarmonious mutual connection
chemistry · unity · support · coordination · cues · following · leader · arrangement · rehearsal · tightness
- music groupschoir, orchestra, chorus, duo, trio
- musical actsgroup, duo, trio, quartet, quintet
- musical groupsorchestra, orchestras, choir, choirs, ensemble
- accompanimentaccompanist, piano accompaniment, guitar accompaniment, rhythm section, continuo
- rock musicelectric guitar, guitar solo, guitar riff, guitar riffs, power chords
- concertsconcert, live show, gig, concert venue, arena
backing bandheadliner
Top-billed performer
headline act · main act · solo artist · lead performer · frontman
back, band, backs, bands, backed, banded, backer, backing, banding