I often get asked what makes a Swing song a typical Balboa song. This is a very good question but from my point of view only a subjective answer could be given.
Generally we could say – and this is broken down to a very simple quote – that danceable Swing music from the 30s and the first half of the 40s is a good source for Balboa dancing, while R&B from the later 40s and 50s is not suitable.
Of course we could go now much more in details but I rather show you good examples. Let’s start with the tune Alreet by Anita O’Day (1919-2006) and Gene Krupa & His Orchestra.
The rhythm section with bass and drums is great and pushes the song forward. When I hear this song I wanna dance Balboa immediately!
Title: Alreet
Artist: Anita O’Day with Gene Krupa & His Orchestra
Recorded: 12.03.1941
Album: In Memoriam 1919-2006
Tempo: 190 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop
Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU - iTunes US - Amazon.de - Amazon.com - emusic.com
By the way, there is a documentary about Anita O’Day’s career:
Anita O’Day – The Life Of A Jazz Singer
What do you think about this song? Do you like this entry? Please share your thoughts!
Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.
Related Posts:
Song of the Week #7: “No More Love” by Buddy Johnson
Song of the Week #6: “The Gal From Joe’s” by Charlie Barnet
Song of the Week #5: “The Game Of Love” by Fairground Attraction
Song of the Week #4: “I Found A New Baby” by Kenny Clarke’s Kvintett
Song of the Week #3: “Spooks” by Louis Armstrong
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