Musings on Music

Music and dance are eternally intertwined. Certain rhythms connect with us in deeply personal ways and our dancing is an expression of that emotion. When we choose a dance style to learn we are often learning the music at the same time. Swinging jazz is the music of Lindy Hop and it's exciting rhythms and syncopation define, suggest and dictate the movement. One of the things I love about dancing to swing music is how rich it is with movement possibility. It invites you to move your body in joyous, controlled chaos with your partner or just by yourself.

I feel to really be able to enjoy the dance to the fullest you should educate yourself about the music. Learning about the roots and evolution of swing music is a fascinating journey in American history but even just becoming familiar with the music you hear in a class, venue or workshop will enrich your experience and better inform your dancing. Take a class in musicality when they are offered. Ask your teachers or dj's the name of that tune that made you want to dance all night. Buy some swing cd's or download the music and listen to it when you aren't dancing and dance to it by yourself when you are at home. By understanding the little nuances in the music you will find new ways to add personality to your dancing.

Here is a small sample of some of my favorite tunes to dance to(they change all the time!) Check them out and then go explore other music by these artists and others. Pretty soon you'll be finding gems on your own and on your own path to discovering what moves you.

Avalon..... Jimmy Lunceford
Back Bay Shuffle.... Artie Shaw
Big John's Special.... Fletcher Henderson
Blackstick.... Noble Sissle Swingsters
Blue Drag.... Earl Hines
Coal Black Shine.... Sidney Bechet
Darktown Strutter's Ball.... Alberta Hunter
Doin the New Lowdown.... Don Redman
Duke's Place.... Ella Fitzgerald
Flying Home.... Lionel Hampton
Gang Busters.... Cats and the Fiddle
Hit that Jive Jack.... King Cole Trio
I Like Pie, I like Cake.... The Four Clefs
Jack, You Dead.... Louis Jordan
Jump Through the Window.... Roy Eldridge
Jumping at the Woodside.... Count Basie
Jump Session.... Slim and Slam
Jungle Nights in Harlem....Duke Ellington
King Porter Stomp.... Benny Goodman
Lulu's Back in Town.... Fat's Waller
Ochi Chornya..... Wingy Manone
Oh, I'm Evil.... Una Mae Carlisle
OK for Baby.... Benny Carter
Murder in the Moonlight....Red McKenzie
S.O.L. Blues....Louis Armstrong and His Hot Seven
Truckin'.... Mills Blue Rhythm Band
Undecided.... John Kirby and his Onyx Club Boys

This is just a little taster. There is a wide world out there of marvelous music and so many more delightful artists that I didn't mention here. Do you have a favorite not on the list?