Swing and Blues Corner Posts

… champagne without bubbles.

Louis Armstrong
Swing that Music

Time to return to this particular fray. I’ve been DJing swing a while now, and like many swing DJs, my ideas on what is, and isn’t acceptable to play for swing dancers have taken something of a journey.

Like many swing DJs, I’ve slowly become more and more of an advocate of old-school swing for swing dancing. Many would brand me a purist. Many do, and perhaps I am – but I know others who’d say I’m not (yet?) enough of a purist. We all have different tastes and ideas, and your mileage may vary.

In the past, when I’ve talked about this issue, I’ve been a little more laissez faire – a little more inclined to say: “Well – what I do is this, but what you do is up to you.” Right now, I’m feeling a little more forthright – in fact I’ve feeling like ranting on this subject for quite some time now – so hang on to your hats – this could get ugly. But in a fun way.

General rambles Music

Blues General rambles Music

Chick Webb is one of my favourite swing musicians. Battling through health problems and spinal deformities caused by childhood tuberculosis of the spine, Considered by many to be the best swing drummer…

Albums Music

General rambles

DJing General rambles Music Set Lists

It’s a little disconcerting when something starts raining on you mid-set, especially when you’re inside. My first response was able to turn off the air-conditioning double-quick. My second was to…

DJing General rambles

Live Music

Dawn Hampton has been an extraordinary character and inspirational figure on the Lindy Hop scene for what might as well be forever. If you’ve been to Herrang, or any number…

General rambles