I live in Durham, in the north east of England. Alongside the day job, I teach Lindy Hop and Blues dance with Lindy Jazz — a community my wife and dance partner and I began back in 2007. What started as a shared love of swing music and social dancing has grown into something much bigger: classes, events, friendships, and a life shaped around music and movement.
I’ve been DJing since around the time Lindy Jazz began, and over the years it’s become far more than just “playing music between dances.” I DJ regularly for Swing, Balboa and Blues dancers at our weekly classes and at all our own events, including the DJam Swing Dance Festival. I’ve also had the pleasure of DJing at events across the UK and abroad — from Herräng and the Snowball in Stockholm, to Barswingona, the London Swing Festival, Blues Baby Blues, and many others. Every room, every floor, every crowd teaches you something new.
For me, DJing sits right at the crossroads of music, dancing, and listening. It’s about paying attention — to the energy in the room, the dancers on the floor, the way a band recorded a track eighty years ago, and how that same track lands today. I don’t see myself as an expert, but I am endlessly curious. The more I DJ, the more I realise how much there is to learn, and that ongoing discovery is a big part of what keeps it interesting.
This blog began because people kept asking me where I find the music I play. Over time, it’s naturally expanded to include a few thoughts on DJing in general, reflections on dancing and DJing experiences, and occasional rabbit holes I’ve fallen down while exploring old recordings, new reissues, or unfamiliar artists. The common thread running through it all is music — swing, blues, and the joy of sharing it.
What you’ll find here isn’t a rulebook or a claim to authority, but a record of a journey. I’m learning as I go, often by listening closely, sometimes by getting things wrong, and always by enjoying the process. If you’re curious about the music behind the dances, or the thinking behind the DJ booth, you’re very welcome to come along for the ride.
Hey Andy,
Who sings that rude, butter turning song again?
Rich
Got it Wynonie Harris, Keep on Churnin!
Actually – the version I’ve been using is by an Australian with the unusual name of Pugsley Buzzard.
Spotify has let me down! No Pugsley Buzzard version
Have you hear this one?
http://open.spotify.com/track/3C7fPO3baJeV0PFnWke73W
“Burnt Toast And Black Coffee song” was that Shorty Long?
Mike Pedicin – Burnt toast and black coffee
It was Shorty Long, yep.
Hi Andy, just wondering if you know who made this version of Shake it break it. If not any idea who makes a similar version. Had a look on I tunes but not there with this version. http://youtu.be/LpOAzmDTmcg
Certainly do – that’s probably my favourite one (although it’s sadly very very short)
Rex Stewart – I think I got it from Complete Jazz 1949
https://open.spotify.com/album/569ws1ivhAIRD8w8iVx9NC
Cheers Andy I’ll check that out
Perfect, got it now cheers mate
Another one for you mate, can you identify the song in this video clip. I asked the originator and she said it was accentuate the positive by Ella F. But don’t think it is http://youtu.be/K8W1sniPgaw
It’s ‘Shoo Fly Pie and Apple Pan Dowdie’
Certainly is. That swing rarity – a food song that’s actually about food!
Thanks guys