Swing Summit 2017 Set List

We’re recently back from a wonderful week at Swing Summit (after five visits, still my favourite dance camp) – and as usual, I did a fair amount of DJing. I promised I’d put a set list up from one of those sessions, and this is it.

This was from the Saturday night, starting around midnight, and I’d say people weren’t in a high-energy mood. Up for dancing, but it wasn’t generally a crazy week, and this night was no exception – so I was playing it a little cautiously, but overall, things went well.

A few notes. Well All Right – I’ve only started playing this one recently, and it’s a great low-speed energy track. My favourite version is from Harry James, but I haven’t a recording of a good enough quality to play (and believe me, I have tried)
East Side Kick follows on beautifully from that – they’re just two songs that work well together. It’s another recent favourite, and … I adore this track. I find it unusually poignant for a swing track, with almost a tinge of sadness to it at times, but it swings like crazy, and ramps up the energy for a wonderful ending.

If it were possibly to overplay Bob Crosby, then he’s probably a bit overplayed in this set. Luckily, you can’t overplay Bob Crosby, so all is well.

Three Little Fishes – that version is an old favourite. Very much a slow burn – the worst thing about that version is that the beginning is very muffled and quiet, which is a little off putting for dancers. I often turn up the volume for the first couple of phrases, until it gets going properly.

In The Mood – well – losing points because … In The Mood. Regaining points because Bob Crosby. I had to edit a section where something went a little funky with the recording, and part of a phrase seemed to get lost.

Big Mama’s Back in  Town – I love that box set, but there’s very little on it that’s working for me for DJing. This, luckily, is one that does – and it’s Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton on absolute top form. A great, cheerful, exultant energy song.

This Bucket’s Got A Hole In It – same box set, similarly wonderful. However – the band takes a break / applause point mid-song, which really does not work for DJing – particularly as the song doesn’t feel complete – so you can’t just stop it at that point. I’ve managed to edit most of that out, and make it sound like a slightly unusual break.

Gimme a Pigfoot – I used to overplay this one a lot – but haven’t used it much for a while. Nice to reconnect with it.

Grand Terrace – another one I currently overuse. It is a great atmosphere builder – a slow track with a lovely chunky rhythm section, filled with barely restrained energy which builds and builds.

The Goon Came On – an old favourite, and I continually try to work out what it’s actually about – the lyrics have me a little confused. One day I’ll figure it out.

I Like Pie – I’ve long ago gone off that song. This version, on the other hand, I could play forever.

Wang Wang Blues – a great track, but with an over long initial few phrases that I find especially dull. Given my short attention span, I edited those sections down the bare minimum – so we can get to the exciting bit more quickly.

All in all, a nice relaxed set – and I very much enjoyed this one.