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Swing & Beyond

Where Swing is King!

Category: Swing 101

An introduction to the music, musicians and singers of the swing era.
Big bands were the major purveyors of swing music, but by no means the only ones. Many small groups also played great swing. For this introduction to swing music, I am going to concentrate on big bands, with a few exceptions. I will explain what instruments make up a classic big band, and also how the instrumentation and music of big bands evolved from approximately the mid-1920s into the 1950s, and beyond. And of course I will post examples of great music performed by big bands, and small groups.

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo May 25, 2022 0 COMMENTS

“Creole Love Call” Duke Ellington (1927) with Adelaide Hall and Bubber Miley/(1949) with Kay Davis and Ray Nance

“Creole Love Call” Composed and arranged by Duke Ellington. Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for Victor on October 26, 1927 in Camden, New Jersey. Duke Ellington, piano, directing:  James Wesley “Bubber” Miley, Louis [..]

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” [..]

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 Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo July 26, 2021 3 COMMENTS

“Then I’ll Be Happy” (1946) Tommy Dorsey and Sy Oliver with Charlie Shavers and Don Lodice

“Then I’ll Be Happy” Composed by Cliff Friend; arranged by Sy Oliver. Recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra for RCA Victor in New York on April 8, 1946. Tommy Dorsey, first and solo trombone, [..]

Masterpieces Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo May 20, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“The Birth of the Swing Era – Part 2 “Sometimes I’m Happy” (1935) Benny Goodman with Bunny Berigan and Arthur Rollini

“Sometimes I’m Happy” Composed by Vincent Youmans; arranged by Fletcher Henderson. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra for Victor in New York on July 1, 1935. Benny Goodman, clarinet, directing: Bunny Berigan, first and [..]

Masterpieces Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo April 17, 2021 1 COMMENTS

“Rose Room” (1939) Artie Shaw – two versions

“Rose Room” Composed by Art Hickman; arranged by Artie Shaw. Recorded by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra for Bluebird on January 31, 1939 in New York. Artie Shaw, clarinet, directing: John Best, first trumpet; Chuck [..]

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo February 13, 2021 3 COMMENTS

“Mahogany Hall Stomp” (1929 and 1936) Louis Armstrong; Bunny Berigan (1937); Swing Era Orchestra featuring John Best (1971)

“Mahogany Hall Stomp” Composed by Spencer Williams. Recorded by Louis Armstrong and His Orchestra for Okeh on March 5, 1929 in New York. Louis Armstrong, trumpet, directing: J.C.Higginbotham, trombone; Albert Nicholas and Charlie Holmes, alto [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux
Mike Zirpolo December 5, 2020 1 COMMENTS

“Margie” (1938) Jimmie Lunceford with Trummy Young; (1971) Billy May with Trummy Young

“Margie” Composed by Con Conrad and J. Russell Robinson (music), Benny Davis (lyric); arranged by Sy Oliver. Recorded by Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra for Decca on January 6, 1938 in New York. Jimmie Lunceford, [..]

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo November 7, 2020 3 COMMENTS

“Basin Street Blues” (1931) Benny Goodman with Jack Teagarden; (1935) Benny Goodman with Bunny Berigan

“Basin Street Blues” Composed by Spencer Williams; arranged by Glenn Miller. Recorded by Benny Goodman (as “The Charleston Chasers” under direction of Bennie Goodman) for Columbia on February 9, 1931 in New York. Benny Goodman, [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo October 3, 2020 1 COMMENTS

“Every Tub” (1938) Count Basie with Lester Young and Sweets Edison

  “Every Tub” Composed by Count Basie and Eddie Durham; “Head” arrangement worked out by Count Basie, Eddie Durham and the members of the Basie band. Recorded by Count Basie and His Orchestra for Decca [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101
Mike Zirpolo August 18, 2020 0 COMMENTS

“Jersey Bounce” (1942) Benny Goodman/Mel Powell, with Vido Musso and Lou McGarity

“Jersey Bounce” Composed by Tiny Bradshaw, Eddie Johnson and Bobby Plater; arranged by Mel Powell. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra for Columbia on January 15,1942 in New York. Benny Goodman, clarinet, directing: James [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen (and Women) Swing 101 Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo July 8, 2020 4 COMMENTS

“A-Tisket, A-Tasket” (1938) Chick Webb and Ella Fitzgerald; and “Liza” Chick Webb (1938)

“A-Tisket, A-Tasket” Composed by Ella Fitzgerald and Al Feldman; arranged by Al Feldman.* Recorded by Chick Webb and His Orchestra for Decca on May 2, 1938 in New York. Chick Webb, drums, directing: Mario Bauza, [..]

Sleepers Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo June 2, 2020 1 COMMENTS

“9:20 Special” (1941) Count Basie with Coleman Hawkins

“9:20 Special” Composed by Earle Warren; arranged by Buster Harding. Recorded by Count Basie and His Orchestra for Okeh/Columbia on April 10, 1941 in Chicago. William J. “Count” Basie, piano, directing: Edward Lewis, first trumpet; [..]

Swing 101 Swingscapes Uncategorized
Mike Zirpolo March 25, 2020 19 COMMENTS

Saturday Night Swing Club – “Down by the Old Mill Stream” and “A Formal Night in Harlem” (1936) Bunny Berigan

  “Down by the Old Mill Stream” Composed by Tell Taylor and Arthur Clough; unknown arranger. Recorded live on October 31, 1936 from a broadcast of the Saturday Night Swing Club over the CBS radio network. Bunny [..]

Masterpieces Sleepers Swing 101 Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo March 18, 2020 0 COMMENTS

“The Lonesome Road” (1939) Jimmie Lunceford/Sy Oliver

“The Lonesome Road” Composed by Gene Austin (words) and Nat Shilkret (music); arranged by Sy Oliver. Recorded by Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra for Vocalion(*) on January 31, 1939 in New York. Jimmie Lunceford, directing: [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Spotlight on Sidemen (and Women) Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo February 1, 2020 6 COMMENTS

“Yes Indeed!” (1941) Tommy Dorsey with Sy Oliver and Jo Stafford

  “Yes Indeed!” Composed and arranged by Sy Oliver. Recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra for Victor on February 17, 1941 in New York. Tommy Dorsey, first and solo trombone, directing: Ziggy Elman, first [..]

Masterpieces Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo December 6, 2019 0 COMMENTS

“Breakfast Feud” (1941) Charlie Christian with Benny Goodman

  “Breakfast Feud” Composed by Benny Goodman; head arrangement worked out by Benny Goodman and the members of his Sextet. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Sextet(*) for Columbia on January 15, 1941(**) in New [..]

Masterpieces Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo November 16, 2019 2 COMMENTS

“Yesterdays” (1938) Artie Shaw

“Yesterdays” Composed by Jerome Kern; arranged by Jerry Gray. Recorded by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra for RCA/Bluebird on September 27, 1938 in New York. Artie Shaw, clarinet, directing: John Best, first trumpet; Chuck Peterson [..]

Masterpieces Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo October 25, 2019 3 COMMENTS

“Concerto for Cootie” (1940) Duke Ellington and Cootie Williams

“Concerto for Cootie” Composed and arranged by Duke Ellington. Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for Victor on March 15,1940 in Chicago. Duke Ellington, piano, directing: Wallace Jones, first trumpet; Rex Stewart, cornet; Cootie [..]

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo July 19, 2019 4 COMMENTS

“Flying Home” Lionel Hampton

“Flying Home” Composed by Lionel Hampton and Benny Goodman. Head arrangement organized by Lionel Hampton. Recorded by Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra for Decca on May 26, 1942 in New York. Lionel Hampton, vibraphone, directing: [..]

Masterpieces Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101
Mike Zirpolo June 7, 2019 8 COMMENTS

“Well, Git It!” (1942) Tommy Dorsey with Ziggy Elman and Chuck Peterson

“Well, Git It” Composed and arranged by Sy Oliver. Recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra for Victor on March 9, 1942 in Hollywood, California. Tommy Dorsey, trombone, directing: Ziggy Elman, Chuck Peterson, Jimmy Blake, [..]

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo May 31, 2019 3 COMMENTS

“No Name Jive” (1940) Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra

“No Name Jive” Composed and arranged by Larry Wagner. Recorded by Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra for Decca on March 18, 1940 in New York. Glen Gray, directing: Frank Ryerson, first trumpet; H. [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo March 23, 2019 4 COMMENTS

“Flat Foot Floogie” (1938) Benny Goodman with Harry James and Dave Tough

“Flat Foot Floogie” Composed by Slim Gaillard, Slam Stewart and Bud Green; probably arranged by Edgar Sampson. Recorded by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra for Victor on May 31, 1938 in New York. Benny Goodman, [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo March 4, 2019 5 COMMENTS

“Milenberg Joys” (1939) Tommy Dorsey with Dave Tough

“Milenberg Joys” Composed by Jelly Roll Morton(*); arranged by Deane Kincaide. Recorded by Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra for Victor on January 19, 1939 in New York. Tommy Dorsey, first and solo trombone, directing: Andy [..]

Masterpieces Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux
Mike Zirpolo February 16, 2019 3 COMMENTS

“Bijou” (1945) Woody Herman with Bill Harris and Dave Tough; and (1959) Henry Mancini

  “Bijou” Composed and arranged by Ralph Burns. Recorded by Woody Herman and His Orchestra on August 20, 1945 in New York. Woody Herman, alto saxophone, directing: Walter “Pete” Candoli, first trumpet; Sonny Berman, Neal [..]

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo January 12, 2019 1 COMMENTS

“Yard Dog Mazurka” (1941) Jimmie Lunceford/”Intermission Riff” (1946) Stan Kenton

“Yard Dog Mazurka” Composed and arranged by Gerald Wilson. Recorded by Jimmie Lunceford and His Orchestra for Decca on August 26, 1941 in New York. Jimmie Lunceford, directing: Eugene E. “Snooky” Young, first trumpet; Paul [..]

Spotlight on Sidemen Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo October 20, 2018 7 COMMENTS

“Harlem Nocturne” (1940) Ray Noble and (1969) Ted Heath

“Harlem Nocturne” Composed and arranged by Earle Hagen. Recorded by Ray Noble and His Orchestra for Columbia on August 8, 1940 in Chicago. (*) Ray Noble, directing: Don Anderson, Bob Goodrich, Bert Harry, trumpets; Earle [..]

Swing 101 Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo September 9, 2018 4 COMMENTS

Victor’s 24th Street New York Recording Studio/”Cherokee” (1939) Charlie Barnet

  Victor’s 24th Street New York Recording Studio The Story: What do Benny Goodman’s “King Porter Stomp,” Artie Shaw’s “Begin the Beguine,” Bunny Berigan’s “I Can’t Get Started,” Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade,” Tommy Dorsey’s “I’m [..]

Swing 101 Swing and Swing Redux Swingscapes
Mike Zirpolo July 7, 2018 1 COMMENTS

“In the Mood” (1938) Edgar Hayes and (1939) Glenn Miller

This is the first time I have given over the swingandbeyond.com forum to someone else, at least in part. The reason why I am doing this is that on occasion, I run across the work [..]

Swing 101 Swingscapes Too Good Not to Share
Mike Zirpolo May 18, 2018 1 COMMENTS

“G.T. Stomp” (1939) Earl “Fatha” Hines

“G.T. Stomp” Composed by Walter Hirsch and Gerald Marks; “head” arrangement later formalized by Earl Hines and Budd Johnson. Recorded by Earl Hines and His Orchestra for RCA Bluebird on July 12, 1939 in New [..]

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Creole Love Call Duke Ellington (1927) with Adelaide Hall and Bubber Miley/(1949) with Kay Davis and Ray Nance

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My Reverie (1938) Larry Clinton with Bea Wain/ (1938) Artie Shaw with Helen Forrest/ (1970) Billy May with Eileen Wilson

  "My Reverie" Composed by Claude Debussy; lyric by Larry Clinton. Recorded by Larry Clinton and His Orchestra for Victor on July 16, ...

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Over the Rainbow (1961) Ella Fitzgerald

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My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice (1940) Jan Savitt and His Top Hatters - arranged by Billy Moore

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

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Recent Posts

  • “Creole Love Call” Duke Ellington (1927) with Adelaide Hall and Bubber Miley/(1949) with Kay Davis and Ray Nance
  • “My Reverie” (1938) Larry Clinton with Bea Wain/ (1938) Artie Shaw with Helen Forrest/ (1970) Billy May with Eileen Wilson
  • “Over the Rainbow” (1961) Ella Fitzgerald
  • “My Heart at Thy Sweet Voice” (1940) Jan Savitt and His Top Hatters – arranged by Billy Moore
  • “Solitude” (1934) Duke Ellington; and Maxwell Davis (1960)
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