SwingDJs

I'm duplicating this message, which I originally posted over on JiveJunction.....

I wanted to get your opinions on choosing another band for a DJ'd battle of the bands. We can't afford live music for the Down South Balboa Meetin' (July 18-20, 2003). So, originally I was going to spice up one of the dances by having a DJ's battle of the bands between Fletcher Henderson and McKinneys' Cotton Pickers.

Well, I've decided to have two battles. The one mentioned above, plus one other. I want Jimmie Lunceford to be one of the artists for this second battle, but I'm trying to decide who should be the other. There are numerous options. But, I'm trying to find one with a "connection" (like how Fletcher and McKinney's Cotton Pickers are conneted with Don Redman). Any thoughts?

The event, by the way, is purely focused on bal and bal-swing. It's not truly an exchange, but not truly a workshop weekend either. But, it has elements of both. But, one thing that is for sure, is that there will be great 20s and 30s jazz all weekend.

Thanks for any opinions!
Gary

OH... one other piece of information that folks here might find interesting. The schedule for the Down South Balboa Meetin' will include a 1/2 hour seminar on Fletcher Henderson from a local jazz musician and professor.

Anyway... throw me your recommendations... who should Lunceford battle?

probably a comparable band would be Andy Kirk's.

Hopkins vs. Lunceford

Hopkins was the house band at the Savoy in 31... Lunceford replaced them as the Savoy house band in 32.

Thanks Rayned and Reuben!

Any other ideas, folks? Thusfar, I think the Hopkins connection is the front runner.

the link between lunceford and kirk is that they both had popular dance bands but were not that known for being famous instrumentalists.

Isn't there a Sy Oliver (T. Dorsey & J. Lunceford) connection?

yep, oliver left lunceford for dorsey. turns out the music world is really small, kirk and lunceford had the same music teacher, paul whiteman's dad.

CafeSavoy wrote:turns out the music world is really small, kirk and lunceford had the same music teacher, paul whiteman's dad.

Really? Weren't they (Lunceford and Kirk) in two different parts of the country? Kirk born in Kentucky, and focused his bands in Texas and Kansas City, died in New York. Lunceford born in Mississippi and focused his bands in NY, died in Oregon. (I think I'm right there....?)

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just wondering when Whiteman's dad taught them both (presumably at different times... but also at different locations?)

yeah, kirkgrew up in denver, but lunceford went there for school.
it was news to me too, cause lunceford grew up in the south.