"Live At The Legion" Album Cover Art
I’m often asked by new dancers where to get good swing music and what to get. They like a song that they have heard at the Stomp it Off! dance and want to listen to it at home, in the car, or practice to it. First off, a dancer can pick up “Live At The Legion” by the Solomon Douglas Swingtet. This live album was recorded at Stomp it Off! in March of 2008 and is now available for everyone. It can be purchased at the Stomp it Off! dance or by email at darren@jungleswing.ca. This is a great album for anyone new to swinging jazz as well as those who are very familiar with the genre. If you want to know a bit more about how this album came about, you can check out the blog post related to it on this site.
From the cheerful early swing sound of Rockin’ in Rhythm to the smooth and creamy Two for the Blues and the fast and furious One O’Clock Jump, this album will have you tapping your feet and wondering where you can get more. There’s also my personal favourite, Splanky, which can get me on the dance floor no matter what. This album classic jazz music is accessible to everyone, dancer or not, who wants to take a dip in the swing pool. The best part about it is that you get traditional jazz music recorded with modern technology. No hissing, pops or scratches to listen through on this digital recording. Take a moment to listen to and enjoy two of the above mentioned tracks.
Rockin’ In Rhythm
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet - Rockin' In Rhythm
Two For The Blues
The Solomon Douglas Swingtet - Two For The Blues
Once again, to get your copy of “Live At The Legion” you can order by email at darren@jungleswing.ca. Please include your name and shipping details to make the transaction quick and easy. Alternatively, if you are so inclined you can pick up the cd at the Stomp it Off! dance each and every Saturday. There are also a number of copies of The Solomon Douglas Swingtet’s first album “Swingmatism” available as well. The price for each cd is $16.00 plus the appropriate government subsidies. If you require shipping, that particular cost will be added as well.
So, now that you’ve purchased your copy of “Live At The Legion” and “Swingmatism”, what else would a would be swinging jazz lover want to listen to? Well, there’s a great big world of amazing music out there by original and contemporary artists. My thoughts on the subject are to go for something with which you’ll feel familiar. The following list of artists is a good start and by no means comprehensive.
Louis Armstrong
Ella Fitzgerald
Count Basie
Duke Ellington
Jimmie Lunceford
Louis Jordan
Lionel Hampton
Bill Elliott Swing Orchestra
George Gee
Bria Skonberg (Local Musician!)
Mighty Aphrodite Jazz Band (Local Musicians!)
New Orleans Ale Stars (Local Musicians!)
Company B Jazz Band (Local Musicians!)
Big Bang Jazz Band (Local Musicians!)
The last five suggestions are all bands and musicians from the Vancouver area. They have played at the Jungle Swing Stomp it Off! dance and will be again as they are definitely dancer favourites! Be sure to check them out and support local musicians.
Cheers,
Darren
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