SwingDJs

How about a slot machine-like device. Want to make a request? Stuff money in and try your luck.

Fair enough. In line with that idea, the music in the context of dance lessons is for social dancing, not swing dancing or Lindy Hop. There's an obvious source of disagreement. My (perhaps incorrect) assumption from the original post is the topic is about music recommendations for swing dancing less...

I for one do not believe that the dance must be married to the music. I guess this is our significant point of disagreement. Why is swing dancing what it is? Why is Waltz or Tango or Rhumba or Polka or Funk what it is? Because of the music. The music is the main inspiration, dancing with the music ...

If you're in a position where you have to DJ wedding reception standards, I think the scene leaders really need to figure out whether their goal is to be a night club or a swing dance. If they're trying for the former, they should probably be looking for a night club DJ, not a swing DJ. If they're t...

I'm also in the camp that thinks more of the traveling one/two step dances should be taught to swing dancers. Peabody is fun, easy and ideal for fast music. It's probably my number 3 favorite dance, just behind Carolina Shag, ahead of West Coast Swing (the real deal, not the disco/hip hop variety). ...

Imagine how impressed we'd be if that song was around when Whitey's Lindy Hoppers were performing. Nothing screams swing-out like Tom Jones ... or not.

I see the same thing as Freddie with respect to the older folks dancing to fast music. It's usually live and more foxtrot/2-step/polka. It's also not that uncommon to see them dancing half-time to the really fast stuff. I honestly can't think of any dances with recorded music besides ballroom dances...

The interview/discussion about Beale Street in the second half. Overall a pretty bad feature, the interviewer was terrible both at asking questions and keeping the show on topic. Most of the initial discussion about Lunceford was straight from the liner notes in the Proper box set.

Well, in the 60's, you could read about Jazz in Playboy.

Our next Lindy Hop I series is starting tomorrow. I need to update my teaching music (so I don't get tired of it). I'll post the list for those that are interested.

mr. e, I think Eyeball sums up my recommendations from 2002. My point in those posts was to highlight the fact that we sometimes have naive views until we explore and learn more about the dance and the music. At the time it was generally accepted that "modern" music was necessary for begin...

And the music evolved into Bebop losing much of the dancability. So much of the Neo/Revival stuff is actually much more danceable than what you'll find on compilations called "Swing music", just because the dancers and the music lovers can disagree a lot about their naming. More...... Mos...

Eyeball, no. Not that composition. Imagine a tune where the video has Christina in a latex sailor suit. It's a great tune for Ballroom Jive. Surreal, how many of those people on the floor were swinging out dancing to Candyman? fredo, great post. I also like the idea of the videos. I take a slightly ...

When teaching Lindy Hop (or Charleston), generally I use pre-WWII stuff although I don't really think about that specifically. I will use other music, including modern recordings for other classes like West Coast Swing. When I DJ, I play what I think the crowd will enjoy dancing to and that often in...

mr. e, I believe the discussion of music selection criteria is relevant, perhaps more valuable than specific recordings. When I'm teaching, I have a particular goal for the class or topic. I choose music that is appropriate. Haydn, excellent recommendations for various reasons. Eyeball, great point ...

Dang, if only I had a few million dollars kicking around. I recall our local community radio station used to have record sales and sold off most of their library several years ago, before I was collecting stuff myself. It's a shame seeing large collections broken up but hopefully most of his collect...