Swing!
Episode 2 – Birth of the Big Bands
Welcome back to another episode of Swing! This month we explore the birth of the big bands . . . or, rather, take a very quick overview of this dynamic movement that changed the way the entire world listened to music and danced from that point on.
We start with the first ‘black’ big band led by Fletcher Henderson, and the first ‘white’ big band led by Paul Whiteman – and hear a full orchestra playing the greatest composition of the 20th century in it’s entirety, originally commissioned by Paul Whiteman Rhapsody in Blue. You’ll also hear some great swing from the likes of Ethel Waters and the Dorsey Brothers, Jimmy Lunceford, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington.
It’s a short, but jam packed journey through one of the most important musical happenings of the 20th century . . . hopefully it will put a swing in your step, a smile on your face, and also give you some information and history to chew on as we move through the early years of the Jazz Continuum. Enjoy the ride!
I would love for you to enter into the discussion as you journey with me through this thing called Jazz by sending your comments, questions and requests to Scott@soulandjazz.com
Swing!
Episode 2 – Birth of the Big Bands
Artist – Track – Album – Year
Fletcher Henderson Wrappin’ It Up Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz 1934
Fletcher Henderson Hotter Than ‘ell Tidal Wave 1934
Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra There Ain’t No Sweet Man (Worth The Salt of My Tears) Ken Burns Jazz 1928
Erich Kunzel / Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Rhapsody In Blue Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue 1981
Ethel Waters I Got Rhythym Ken Burns Jazz 1930
Jimmy Lunceford and His Orchestra Lunceford Special Lunceford Special 1939-40 1939
Lionel Hampton When Lights Are Low All Star Sessions, Vol. 2: Hot Mallets 1939
Count Basie and His Orchestra Doggin’ Around Swingsation: Count Basie 1938
Benny Goodman Sextet I Found A New Baby Jazz Masters 33: Benny Goodman 1941
Duke Ellington & His Famous Orchestra Creole Rhapsody (Part 1 & 2) Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz 1931
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Harlem Air Shaft Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz 1940
Cyrus Chestnut & Eric Reed It Don’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing) Plenty Swing, Plenty Soul 2010
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