Sideman
(noun)
A musician who performs as a member of a band, orchestra or other ensemble, but not as a solo artist or leader.
Origin:
The word sideman originated in the early 20th century, and is a combination of the words side and man. it is used to describe a musician who performs as a member of a band, orchestra or other ensemble, but not as a solo artist or leader.
Examples:
- He was a sideman for several jazz bands before forming his own group.
- The sideman played the guitar while the lead singer performed.
- He was a sideman in the house band of a local club.
- The sideman had a limited solo time during the performance.
- The sideman was also a session musician, playing on many other artist's albums.