Which member of the rhythm section is responsible for giving cues about upcoming changes in the music or that a new section of music is about to occur?

drums
bass
piano
saxophone

My answer- bass

I believe the answer to be drums. When the song/music is about to change in jazz band, the drummer usually does a crash or a fill.

Definitely the drummer. Drummers do what is called "setting up" the band for a transition by playing either a fill or a loud note right before the band needs to play a loud note together.

Source: I'm a drummer.

seems to me that "drums" is the only member of the rhythm section.

the others are strings or winds.

Your answer - bass - is correct!

In a typical rhythm section, the bass player is responsible for providing cues about upcoming changes in the music or indicating the start of a new section. The bass player often uses specific rhythmic patterns or notes to signal transitions, which are known as "cues." These cues can help the rest of the band members anticipate and smoothly navigate through the changes in the music.

To arrive at this answer, you can analyze the roles and characteristics of each instrument within the rhythm section. While the drums lay down the rhythmic foundation and provide a sense of propulsion, their primary function is to maintain the groove and keep time. The piano, on the other hand, may play chords and melodies but generally does not have the primary responsibility for signaling changes in the music. Similarly, the saxophone is typically considered a melodic instrument rather than a foundational element of the rhythm section.

In contrast, the bass is known for its role in both rhythm and harmony. As the lowest-pitched instrument of the rhythm section, the bass provides a solid foundation by playing the root notes of the chords. Additionally, many bass players employ specific techniques such as walking bass lines or rhythmic patterns that can serve as effective cues for the rest of the ensemble.

Always remember that musical roles and responsibilities can vary depending on the style and context of the music. However, in most cases, the bass player is indeed the one primarily responsible for giving cues about upcoming changes in the music or indicating a new section.