How to Choose Swing Dance Music

Although swing music has been around since the 1920s, it has recently enjoyed a resurgence that has spread like wildfire. Swing clubs can be found all over the country and in most major cities around the world. Try these easy steps for choosing swing music, get your dancing shoes on, and start jumpin' and jivin'!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Listen to a variety of music from different eras, including older music such as that of Benny Goodman or Tommy Dorsey, or modern swing such as Squirrel Nut Zippers and Cherry Poppin' Daddies. Decide which styles appeal to you most for dancing or just listening.

2. Tune in to radio programs that feature swing music or go to music stores that will let you to listen to the music. Good choices for dancing will have a swinging rhythm. Does it make you want to jump and jive? If so, write down the name of the artist.

3. Check out on-line music stores that will allow you to listen to samples of the CDs.

4. Purchase high quality, remastered CDs if you decide to purchase music by early swing musicians, such as the Count Basie Orchestra or the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Good quality CDs will have less static and noise than old records.

Tips & Warnings

• 'Swing' refers to a family of dances evolving from the 1920s and includes the Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Jive, Texas Two Step, Country Western Swing and Jump.
• Swing usually has an emphasis on the second and fourth notes in each measure. The rhythm is often driven by bass and percussion, but can also be carried by vocals.
• Any music that has a 4/4 beat and a swinging rhythm can be swing music.

Resources

• Roots 66, online source for authentic swing music.
• Find a free, online swing music station.
• Great links for swing music information.