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.

Masterpieces Swing 101

Mike Zirpolo March 22, 2016 8 COMMENTS

“Take the ‘A’ Train” (1941) Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn with Ray Nance

“Take the ‘A’ Train” Composed and arranged by Billy Strayhorn Recorded by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra for Victor Records; February 15,1941, Hollywood CA Duke Ellington, piano, directing: Wallace Jones, first trumpet; Ray Nance, [..]

Masterpieces Swing 101

Mike Zirpolo March 22, 2016 3 COMMENTS

The Birth Of Swing – Louis Armstrong and “West End Blues (1928),” Bix Beiderbecke and “Clementine” (1927)

Louis Armstrong and “West End Blues,” Bix Beiderbecke and “Clementine,” and the “Birth” of Swing An introduction to the music, musicians and singers of the swing era. During the swing era, big bands were the [..]