Hi, My Name is Gary...
Moderators: Mr Awesomer, JesseMiner, CafeSavoy
Well, like everything else in life, there's hardly a hard line between Neo-Swing and modern "new" swing, and it all kind of drifts backwards through Jordan and Calloway back to "real swing."
I think as you listen to swing music and let your tastes grow you can start out liking stuff like CPD (which I think is mostly crap, but that's just me), then BBVD (who I like tremendousely live, and find perfectly satisfactory DJ'd) on down to RCR and Indigo, slide right into Lavay Smith and Lily Wilde and Swing Session, visit Bill Elliott, and then take a quick little Hop to Jordan and before long you're enjoying Basie, Bachet, Ella and Armstrong.
I think it's really important to remember you don't HAVE to like every song on a record, find a few you like and run with them. I have tons of Ella and Billie that I think are beautiful, talent-filled songs that make me sleepy and I definately don't want to DJ, and rarely want to listen to. On the same note, I have CDs full of Calloway and Jordon that get my blood pumping, but if I throw in a full CD of either one by the third song I'm totally lost on how many songs have gone by, because they sound so similar. Mix them in a set though, and they're wonderful, it's up to me to define that contrast.
In case you're curious, I wasnt' allowed to listen to anything but Gospel and Elvis till I was 12 or so, then I discovered and forced my parents to let me listen to Pop and some Rock, since then I've been a huge fan of some Pop and Rock, a bit of Punk, quite a lot of "alternative" Rock (talk about fuzzily defined musical terms), a bit of classical, and for the last few years a ton of swing. (which, oddly enough, one of my favorite sub-genre's has become Gospel, leading me full circle.)
I'm in the quite unusual position of DJ'ing a weekly "social dance" night, so I've had to learn to appreciate a wide variety of music (Pop and Blues for Westies, Latin for Cha Cha, Merengue, Salsa, etc, Disco for hustle, bad 80s love songs for Nightclub, and swing for the Lindy and East Coast/Single Time crowds). The one true-ism I've discovered is that the more music you listen to, the more you can appreciate, and the more you can define why bands suck, or why bands don't suck. There are plenty of notes on my MP3s like "Band is mediocre, fun lyrics, nice breaks, usually goes over well for novelty song" or "band is superior, great recording, perfectly executed, boring as hell". My point is, depending on what you're listening FOR and what you want out of a song, songs can be great, horrible, or both at once. It's kind of a quantum physics thing, the position you're in determins the value of the song in question, not the song (or genre) itself.
I think as you listen to swing music and let your tastes grow you can start out liking stuff like CPD (which I think is mostly crap, but that's just me), then BBVD (who I like tremendousely live, and find perfectly satisfactory DJ'd) on down to RCR and Indigo, slide right into Lavay Smith and Lily Wilde and Swing Session, visit Bill Elliott, and then take a quick little Hop to Jordan and before long you're enjoying Basie, Bachet, Ella and Armstrong.
I think it's really important to remember you don't HAVE to like every song on a record, find a few you like and run with them. I have tons of Ella and Billie that I think are beautiful, talent-filled songs that make me sleepy and I definately don't want to DJ, and rarely want to listen to. On the same note, I have CDs full of Calloway and Jordon that get my blood pumping, but if I throw in a full CD of either one by the third song I'm totally lost on how many songs have gone by, because they sound so similar. Mix them in a set though, and they're wonderful, it's up to me to define that contrast.
In case you're curious, I wasnt' allowed to listen to anything but Gospel and Elvis till I was 12 or so, then I discovered and forced my parents to let me listen to Pop and some Rock, since then I've been a huge fan of some Pop and Rock, a bit of Punk, quite a lot of "alternative" Rock (talk about fuzzily defined musical terms), a bit of classical, and for the last few years a ton of swing. (which, oddly enough, one of my favorite sub-genre's has become Gospel, leading me full circle.)
I'm in the quite unusual position of DJ'ing a weekly "social dance" night, so I've had to learn to appreciate a wide variety of music (Pop and Blues for Westies, Latin for Cha Cha, Merengue, Salsa, etc, Disco for hustle, bad 80s love songs for Nightclub, and swing for the Lindy and East Coast/Single Time crowds). The one true-ism I've discovered is that the more music you listen to, the more you can appreciate, and the more you can define why bands suck, or why bands don't suck. There are plenty of notes on my MP3s like "Band is mediocre, fun lyrics, nice breaks, usually goes over well for novelty song" or "band is superior, great recording, perfectly executed, boring as hell". My point is, depending on what you're listening FOR and what you want out of a song, songs can be great, horrible, or both at once. It's kind of a quantum physics thing, the position you're in determins the value of the song in question, not the song (or genre) itself.
I'm not an obsessive personality. I just happen to pick hobbies that seem to consume my life.
www.lindyguy.com
www.lindyguy.com
I haven't been dancing as long as you (just over 2 years for me) and I was not familiar with a lot of these, but I've listened to the samples I found. These are an example of what I don't like about Neo-Swing. I don't really like any of them. The tracks by Eight to the Bar are fun, and of all of them, they are the only ones I think I might enjoy dancing to. In general, these tracks seem to use noise and a repetitive beat instead of rhythmic bounce and subletly.Gary wrote:The usual ones, of course, from '98: BBVD, "Y&M&BM3", "The Boogiehuey wrote:...could you please list some examples of neo-swing tracks you likeGary wrote:...and I like neo-swing.
... what is it about neo-swing that makes experienced DJs and dancers
revile it so much?
(song and artist)?
Bumper"; CPD, "ZSR", "No Mercy for Swine". Big Rude Jake, "Gotham City
Serenade"; Atomic Fireballs, "Caviar and Chitlins"; Blues Jumpers,
"Wheels Start Turning". Two neo bands that I really like presently:
Eight to the Bar, "My Body's Got a Mind of Its Own", "Why Can't You
Dance with Me Like That?", "The Shelf"; and Love Dogs, "Much Later",
"Wrong Lake to Catch a Fish". Also, Devil Doll, "Liquor Store"
-Gary-
By contrast, these are some of my favourites, which do have that bounce and subtlety. These make me want to dance -
Hay Burner - Count Basie
Track 7
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000006R85
Sorghum Switch - Jimmy Dorsey
Track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000003N3Q
The Blacksmith Blues - Ted Heath Orchestra
Track 13
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... 423&ITM=12
Sweet Georgia Brown - Brother Bones
Track 1
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... 8121&ITM=1
Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho / The Golden Gate Quartet
CD 1 Track 12
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... 327&ITM=16
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Interesting selection. They definitely have the greater sophistication of jazz but I find the selection pretty mellow with the exception of Sweet Georgia Brown.
A few suggestions with a little more BAM for Gary to take a listen to and let us know what he thinks:
Carnegie Jump - Eddie Condon - Chicago Style, track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000001HJE
I'se A Muggin' - Andy Kirk - 1936-1937, track 11
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000001NK1
Coquette - Bob Crosby - Jazz Hour With Bob Crosby & The Bobcats, track 5
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000003DGK
In the Bag - Lionel Hampton - The Lionel Hampton Story (Proper Box), disc 2, track 3
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000051TPB
Little John Special - Lucky Millinder - Back Beats, track 20
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000000WL3
Down For Double - Count Basie - The Best Of The Roulette Years, track 16
Taps Miller - Count Basie - The Best Of The Roulette Years, track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000002UZW
BTW, check out some of the other tracks on the CDs Huey and I suggested, there are plenty of good tracks of varying tempo and flavor.
A few suggestions with a little more BAM for Gary to take a listen to and let us know what he thinks:
Carnegie Jump - Eddie Condon - Chicago Style, track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000001HJE
I'se A Muggin' - Andy Kirk - 1936-1937, track 11
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000001NK1
Coquette - Bob Crosby - Jazz Hour With Bob Crosby & The Bobcats, track 5
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000003DGK
In the Bag - Lionel Hampton - The Lionel Hampton Story (Proper Box), disc 2, track 3
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000051TPB
Little John Special - Lucky Millinder - Back Beats, track 20
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000000WL3
Down For Double - Count Basie - The Best Of The Roulette Years, track 16
Taps Miller - Count Basie - The Best Of The Roulette Years, track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000002UZW
BTW, check out some of the other tracks on the CDs Huey and I suggested, there are plenty of good tracks of varying tempo and flavor.
- GemZombie
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Bechet's Version is the best.huey wrote: Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho / The Golden Gate Quartet
CD 1 Track 12
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... 327&ITM=16
To me, the Golden Gate Quartet one has more energy.GemZombie wrote:Bechet's Version is the best.huey wrote: Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho / The Golden Gate Quartet
CD 1 Track 12
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... 327&ITM=16
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I like the Andy Kirk and Lionel Hampton ones.Toon Town Dave wrote:Interesting selection. They definitely have the greater sophistication of jazz but I find the selection pretty mellow with the exception of Sweet Georgia Brown.
A few suggestions with a little more BAM for Gary to take a listen to and let us know what he thinks:
Carnegie Jump - Eddie Condon - Chicago Style, track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000001HJE
I'se A Muggin' - Andy Kirk - 1936-1937, track 11
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000001NK1
Coquette - Bob Crosby - Jazz Hour With Bob Crosby & The Bobcats, track 5
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000003DGK
In the Bag - Lionel Hampton - The Lionel Hampton Story (Proper Box), disc 2, track 3
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000051TPB
Little John Special - Lucky Millinder - Back Beats, track 20
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000000WL3
Down For Double - Count Basie - The Best Of The Roulette Years, track 16
Taps Miller - Count Basie - The Best Of The Roulette Years, track 19
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... B000002UZW
BTW, check out some of the other tracks on the CDs Huey and I suggested, there are plenty of good tracks of varying tempo and flavor.
It's be good to hear what Gary thinks about all these.
The Sidney Bechet version is this one, CD 3, track 7 -GemZombie wrote:You have got to be kidding. If by Energy you mean cheese, then okhuey wrote:
To me, the Golden Gate Quartet one has more energy.
http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/ ... 6006491986
I think both versions are a bit 'cheesy', but then what's wrong with that?
Agreed!jmatthew wrote:
I think it's really important to remember you don't HAVE to like every song on a record, find a few you like and run with them. I have tons of Ella and Billie that I think are beautiful, talent-filled songs that make me sleepy and I definately don't want to DJ, and rarely want to listen to.
Re: Hi, My Name is Gary...
Gary wrote:...and I like neo-swing.
--Thanks,
Gary
I'm really glad someone brought this up. I've been watching this group for a few months and have gotten a _lot_ of great music from it. But, fundamentally, I think the orientation of the majority of the group seems to be old-style jazzy stuff, which is cool, but I would argue is not the be-all end-all of swing music. There are so many endpoints one can consider- complexity, danceability, dancer's enjoyment, etc. that make it difficult to sometimes compare styles. The swing scene in Athens, GA is really high-energy and the DJ would be lynched if they played more than 1-2 old-style swing songs/night. One might argue that we have a 'less sophisticated' scene for this reason, but if the endpoint is dancer enjoyment, it's hard to argue with, since everyone who comes has a great time! Although the emphasis is east coast, you can do Lindy and Bal to an _amazing_ array of more modern songs. Such as:
Stormy Weather - Royal Crown Revue - The Contender
Mildred Won't You Behave - Bill Elliot - Calling All Jitterbugs
Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet - Get Born
Regular Joe - Indigo Swing - All Aboard
Rocket 95 - Alien Fashion Show - Alien Fashion Show
Wade in the Water - Eva Cassidy - Songbird
Comes Love - Campus Five - Crazy Rhythm (old song, good modern version )
I have to agree with Gary, though: I enjoy Neo-Swing (as well as rock & roll in swing context!) and have been occasionally put off by the bad rap it seems to get in swing purist circles. Good discussion, glad it came up and I'm delighted that everyone is being very courteous in the discussions!
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I'm pretty sure I don't really fit in with the rest of those songs. We are deliberately playing old-style swing songs - and as traditionally as I can manage. The recordings are "modern", not the style. Perhaps the clarity of the recording allows you to enjoy proper swing music, where before poor recording quality has kept you from enjoying it.
The rest of those bands (RCR, IS, AFS) are not really trying to as close to the original style, but rather just get that kind of flavor.
But I do appreciate the airplay. Hopefully you'll dig up the Artie Shaw version for "Comes Love" sometime now that you've heard ours.
The rest of those bands (RCR, IS, AFS) are not really trying to as close to the original style, but rather just get that kind of flavor.
But I do appreciate the airplay. Hopefully you'll dig up the Artie Shaw version for "Comes Love" sometime now that you've heard ours.
"I don''t dig that two beat jive the New Orleans cats play.
My boys and I have four heavy beats to the bar and no cheating!
--Count Basie
www.campusfive.com
www.myspace.com/campusfive
www.swingguitar.blogspot.com
My boys and I have four heavy beats to the bar and no cheating!
--Count Basie
www.campusfive.com
www.myspace.com/campusfive
www.swingguitar.blogspot.com
Re: Hi, My Name is Gary...
those two phrases are not causally connected.Kaastel wrote: The swing scene in Athens, GA is really high-energy and the DJ would be lynched if they played more than 1-2 old-style swing songs/night.
old != low energy
new != high energy
fwiw, this is also "an old song".Kaastel wrote: Although the emphasis is east coast, you can do Lindy and Bal to an _amazing_ array of more modern songs. Such as:
Stormy Weather - Royal Crown Revue - The Contender
i love this song, and i would be hella amused if someone played it at a dance, but i shouldn't particularly enjoy hearing it more than once or twice. it doesn't swing. i am as likely to polka as lindy to it.Kaastel wrote: Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet - Get Born
i like this whole album.Kaastel wrote: Regular Joe - Indigo Swing - All Aboard
alex.
Last edited by lipi on Tue Nov 08, 2005 6:25 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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