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Swing & Beyond

Where Swing is King!

Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo April 16, 2022 1 COMMENTS

“Solitude” (1934) Duke Ellington; and Maxwell Davis (1960)

“Solitude” Composed and arranged by Duke Ellington. Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for Victor on January 10, 1934 in Chicago. Duke Ellington, piano, directing: Arthur Whetsel, Freddie Jenkins, Louis Bacon and Cootie Williams, [..]

Too Good Not to Share Well-Chosen Waltzes
Mike Zirpolo April 9, 2022 1 COMMENTS

“Tenderly” (1957) Ted Heath with Leslie Gilbert on alto saxophone

”Tenderly” Composed by Walter Gross; arranged by Johnny Keating. Recorded by Ted Heath and His Music in London for Decca in October, 1957. Ted Heath, directing: Bobby Pratt, first trumpet; Herbert “Bert” Ezard, Duncan Campbell [..]

Movie music Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo March 31, 2022 4 COMMENTS

“Temptation” (1940) Artie Shaw with Les Robinson and Nick Fatool

“Temptation” Composed by Nacio Herb Brown; arranged by Lennie Hayton. Recorded by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra for Victor on September 7, 1940 in Hollywood. Artie Shaw, clarinet, directing: Charles William “Billy” Butterfield, first trumpet; [..]

Sleepers Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo March 12, 2022 4 COMMENTS

“Lonely Moments” – Music of Mary Lou Williams – Benny Goodman (1947); and Dutch Jazz Orchestra (2005)

Sleepers Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo March 4, 2022 0 COMMENTS

“Smack-a-Mac” (1966) James Moody and the Brass Figures

“Smack-a-Mac” Composed and arranged by Tom McIntosh. Recorded by James Moody and the Brass Figures for Milestone during October-November 1966 in New York. Tom McIntosh, arranger/conductor, directing: James Moody, tenor saxophone; Eugene “Snooky” Young, first [..]

Sleepers Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo February 18, 2022 0 COMMENTS

“Tango Blues” (1951) Harry James / Glen Gray with Joe Graves (1961)

“Tango Blues”  Composed by Harry James; arranged by Ray Conniff. Recorded by Harry James and His Orchestra for Columbia on April 11, 1951 in Hollywood, California. Harry James, trumpet, directing: Everett McDonald, first trumpet; Dominic [..]

Masterpieces Sleepers Spotlight on Sidemen (and Women) Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux
Mike Zirpolo February 11, 2022 1 COMMENTS

“Walkin’ and Swingin'” (1936) Andy Kirk and Mary Lou Williams/ (1970) Billy May

“Walkin’ and Swingin’” Composed and arranged by Mary Lou Williams. Recorded by Andy Kirk and His Twelve Clouds of Joy for Decca on March 2, 1936 in New York. Andy Kirk, directing: Harry “Big Jim” [..]

Masterpieces Sleepers Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo February 5, 2022 2 COMMENTS

“S’Posin'” (1954) Artie Shaw Gramercy Five

“S’Posin’” Composed by Paul Denniker; head arrangement by Artie Shaw Gramercy Five. Privately recorded by Artie Shaw Gramercy Five in June of 1954 in Hollywood. Artie Shaw, clarinet, directing: Hank Jones, piano; Joe Puma, guitar; [..]

Movie music Sleepers Swinging the Classics Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo January 29, 2022 3 COMMENTS

“To a Wild Rose” (1946) Johnny Bothwell

“To a Wild Rose” Composed by Edward MacDowell; arranged by Paul Villepigue. Recorded by Johnny Bothwell and His Orchestra for Signature in May of 1946 in New York. Johnny Bothwell, alto saxophone, directing: Paul Leichter, [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen (and Women) Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo January 25, 2022 0 COMMENTS

“Why Don’t You Do Right?” (1942) Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee

“Why Don’t You Do Right?” Music and lyric by Joe McCoy; arranged by Mel Powell. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra for Columbia on July 27, 1942 in New York. Benny Goodman, clarinet, directing: [..]

Sleepers Spotlight on Sidemen Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo January 14, 2022 1 COMMENTS

“The Duke’s Idea” (1939) Charlie Barnet with Bill Miller and Bob Burnet

“The Duke’s Idea” Composed by Charlie Barnet; head arrangement by Barnet and his band. Recorded by Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra for Bluebird on September 10, 1939 in Hollywood. Charlie Barnet, alto saxophone, directing: John [..]

Sleepers Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo January 8, 2022 1 COMMENTS

“Belgrade Hangover” (1985) Ashley Alexander/Frank Mantooth

“Belgrade Hangover” Composed and arranged by Frank Mantooth. Recorded by the Ashley Alexander Big Band for Pausa Records in Hollywood, California in 1985. Ashley Alexander, euphonium, directing: Jim Linahon, John Harbaugh, Tom Gause, John Thomas [..]

Masterpieces Sleepers Spotlight on Sidemen Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo January 2, 2022 1 COMMENTS

“What Am I Here For?” (1942) Duke Ellington with Joseph Nanton, Rex Stewart and Ben Webster

“What Am I Here For?” Composed and arranged by Duke Ellington. Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for Victor on February 26,1942 in New York. Duke Ellington, piano, directing: Wallace Jones, first trumpet; Ray [..]

Movie music Sleepers Spotlight on Sidemen (and Women) Swing and Swing Redux
Mike Zirpolo December 22, 2021 4 COMMENTS

“You’re a Sweetheart” (1937) Tommy Dorsey’s Clambake Seven with Edythe Wright/ (1971) Billy May with Dick Nash and Eileen Wilson

“You’re a Sweetheart” Composed by Jimmy McHugh (music) and Harold Adamson (lyric); Head arrangement by Tommy Dorsey. Recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Clambake Seven for Victor on October 14, 1937 in New York. Tommy [..]

Seasons and Such Swingscapes TV Music Well-Chosen Waltzes
Mike Zirpolo December 8, 2021 0 COMMENTS

“Christmas Time is Here” (1965) Vince Guaraldi

“Christmas Time is Here” Composed by Vince Guaraldi. Recorded in 1965 by the Vince Guaraldi Trio for Fantasy Records in San Francisco, California. Vince Guaraldi, piano; Fred Marshall, bass; Jerry Granelli, drums. The story: Elsewhere [..]

Sleepers Swing and Swing Redux Swinging the Classics Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo December 3, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“Moonlight Sonata” (1941) Glenn Miller / (1971) Enoch Light

“Moonlight Sonata” Composed by Ludwig von Beethoven; arranged by Bill Finegan. Recorded by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra for RCA Bluebird on November 24,1941 in New York. Glenn Miller, first trombone; directing: R.D. McMickle, first [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo November 15, 2021 2 COMMENTS

“Taxi War Dance”(1939) Count Basie with Lester Young, Dicky Wells and Buddy Tate

“Taxi War Dance” Composed by Count Basie and Lester Young; head arrangement organized by Count Basie. Recorded by Count Basie and His Orchestra for Columbia-Vocalion on March 19, 1939 in New York. William J. “Count” [..]

Sleepers Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo November 9, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“I’ll Be Around” (1963) Tony Bennett with Bobby Hackett

“I’ll Be Around” Composed by Alec Wilder; arranged by Dick Hyman. Recorded by Tony Bennett for Columbia on November 6, 1963 in New York. An orchestra consisting of a string quartet and perhaps three trumpets [..]

Movie music Sleepers Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo November 1, 2021 5 COMMENTS

“Theme From Exodus” (1962) Bernie Lowe with Walt Levinsky and Al Cohn

“Theme from Exodus” Composed by Ernest Gold; arranged by Sid Feller. Recorded by Bernie Lowe and His Orchestra for Cameo in early 1962 in Bayside, Queens, New York. Personnel unknown. However, I will go out [..]

Seasons and Such Sleepers Well-Chosen Waltzes
Mike Zirpolo October 19, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“Autumn in Washington Square” (1964) The Dave Brubeck Quartet

“Autumn in Washington Square” Composed by Dave Brubeck. Recorded by the Dave Brubeck Quartet for Columbia on July 15, 1964 in New York. Dave Brubeck, piano; Paul Desmond, alto saxophone; Eugene Wright, bass; Joe Morello, [..]

Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo October 12, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“Blue Prelude” Isham Jones with Sonny Lee (1933); and Woody Herman (1940)

“Blue Prelude” Composed and arranged by Joe Bishop. Recorded by Isham Jones and His Orchestra for Victor on April 6,1933 in New York. Isham Jones, directing: Johnny Carlson, first trumpet; George Thow and Joe Hostetler, [..]

Masterpieces Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo October 2, 2021 0 COMMENTS

“Blood Count” (1967) Duke Ellington; composition/arrangement by Billy Strayhorn – alto saxophone solo by Johnny Hodges

“Blood Count” Composed and arranged by Billy Strayhorn. Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for RCA Victor on August 28, 1967 in New York. Duke Ellington, piano, directing: Herbie Jones, William “Cat” Anderson, Mercer [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo September 28, 2021 0 COMMENTS

“La Fiesta” (1973) Woody Herman with Gregory Herbert, Andy Laverne, Frank Tiberi and Ed Soph

“La Fiesta”  Composed by Armando “Chick” Corea; arranged by Tony Klatka. Recorded by Woody Herman and His Thundering Herd for Prestige on April 9, 1973 in New York. Woody Herman, soprano saxophone, directing: Larry Pyatt, [..]

Seasons and Such Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo September 13, 2021 2 COMMENTS

“September Song” (1945) Artie Shaw/Ray Conniff and (1960) Ella Fitzgerald

“September Song” Composed by Kurt Weill (music). Arranged by Ray Conniff. Recorded by Artie Shaw and his Orchestra for Victor on April 5, 1945 in Hollywood. Artie Shaw, clarinet, directing: Paul Cohen, first trumpet, Bernie [..]

Uncategorized
Mike Zirpolo September 8, 2021 0 COMMENTS

Phil Schaap (1951-2021)

It is with great sadness that I report the death yesterday of Phil Schaap. (1) Among people who are serious about the history of jazz, Phil was a giant. His knowledge was seemingly endless. Minutiae [..]

Sleepers Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo September 2, 2021 3 COMMENTS

“Jivin’ with Jarvis” (1940) Lionel Hampton with the Nat “King” Cole Trio

“Jivin’ with Jarvis” Composed by Lionel Hampton; informal “head” arrangement. Recorded by Lionel Hampton for Victor on July 17, 1940 in Hollywood. Lionel Hampton, vibraphone, directing: Nat “King” Cole, piano; Oscar Moore, electric guitar; Wesley [..]

Sleepers Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo August 27, 2021 2 COMMENTS

“Dragonwyck” (1961) Stan Kenton with Marvin Stamm, Gabe Baltazar and Gene Roland

“Dragonwyck” Composed and arranged by Gene Roland. Recorded by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra for Capitol on December 13, 1961 in Hollywood. Stan Kenton, piano, directing: Dalton Smith, first trumpet; Bob Behrendt, Bob Rolfe, Norman [..]

Sleepers Spotlight on Sidemen (and Women) Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo August 16, 2021 3 COMMENTS

“One Sweet Letter from You” (1939) Benny Goodman with Louise Tobin and Ziggy Elman

“One Sweet Letter from You” Composed by Harry Warren (music), Sidney Clare and Lew Brown (lyric); arranged by Fletcher Henderson. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra for Columbia on September 13, 1939 in New [..]

Masterpieces Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo August 10, 2021 2 COMMENTS

“Night and Day” (1940) Charlie Barnet with Bernie Privin and Bill Miller/(1942) Frank Sinatra/(1956) Ella Fitzgerald

“Night and Day” Composed by Cole Porter; informal head arrangement by Charlie Barnet and his band. Recorded by Charlie Barnet and His Orchestra for RCA Bluebird on September 17,1940 in New York. Charlie Barnet, tenor [..]

Sleepers Swinging the Classics Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo August 2, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“Goin’ Home” and “Slumber Song” (1940) Glenn Miller

“Goin’ Home” Composed by Antonin Dvorak; arranged by Jerry Gray. Recorded live in performance by Glenn Miller and His Orchestra on a CBS Chesterfield broadcast on December 18, 1940 in New York. Glenn Miller, first [..]

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Featured Posts
Publicity portrait of American singer and actor Herb Jeffries (aka Herbert Jeffrey), 1948. (Photo by John D. Kisch/Separate Cinema Archive/Getty Images)

Flamingo (1940) Duke Ellington, Herb Jeffries, Billy Strayhorn / (1953) Duke Ellington, Ray Nance, Paul Gonsalves, Billy Strayhorn

"Flamingo" Composed by Ted Grouya (music) and Edmund Anderson (lyric); arranged by Billy Strayhorn. Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for ...

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Lady Day (1944) Artie Shaw with Roy Eldridge/ (1987) Loren Schoenberg and His Jazz Orchestra

"Lady Day" Composed and arranged by Jimmy Mundy. Recorded by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra for Victor on November 23, 1944 in ...

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I'm in a Dancing Mood (1936) Tommy Dorsey with Jack Leonard /Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond (1959)

"I'm in a Dancing Mood" Composed by Al Hoffman, Al Goodheart and Maurice Sigler; probably arranged by Paul Wetstein (Weston) or ...

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Jingle Bells (1935) Benny Goodman with Bunny Berigan

"Jingle Bells" Composed by J.S. Pierpont; arranged by Lyle "Spud" Murphy. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra for Victor on July ...

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Southern Scandal Stan Kenton (1945) /Billy May and the Swing Era Orchestra (1970)

"Southern Scandal" Composed and arranged by Stan Kenton. Recorded by Stan Kenton and His Orchestra for Capitol on May 4, 1945 in ...

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Archives

Recent Posts

  • “Flamingo” (1940) Duke Ellington, Herb Jeffries, Billy Strayhorn / (1953) Duke Ellington, Ray Nance, Paul Gonsalves, Billy Strayhorn
  • “Lady Day” (1944) Artie Shaw with Roy Eldridge/ (1987) Loren Schoenberg and His Jazz Orchestra
  • “I’m in a Dancing Mood” (1936) Tommy Dorsey with Jack Leonard /Dave Brubeck Quartet with Paul Desmond (1959)
  • “Southern Scandal” Stan Kenton (1945) /Billy May and the Swing Era Orchestra (1970)
  • “It’s Always You” Tommy Dorsey with Frank Sinatra (1941) / Frank Sinatra with Sy Oliver (1961)
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