DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #145: Organ Grinder’s Swing

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DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #145: Organ Grinder's Swing by The Mills Brothers

I have to admit, I’m not a big fan of “a capella” style of jazz, but this here is a nice version by The Mills Brothers. The Mills Brothers The Mills Brothers, originally billed as ”Four Boys and a Guitar“ were an American jazz and pop vocal quartet that had grew into one of the longest-lasting oldies acts in American popular music. They made more than 2’000 recordings that combined sold more than 50 million copies. The four brothers were John, Jr., (born in 1910), Herbert (1912), Harry (1913), and Donald (1915). Their father owned a barber shop and founded a barbershop quartet as well, called the Four Kings of Harmony. His sons obviously learned their close harmonies [...]

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #144: Swingin’ In The Promised Land

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Edgar Hayes Swingin' In The Promised Land

If you are a Balboa dancer, then this tune is familiar to you. Maybe you don’t be aware of the title or the artist but I’m sure you have heard it countless times on the dance floor. It’s “Swingin’ In The Promised Land” by Edgar Hayes & His Orchestra. Edgar Hayes Edgar Junius Hayes (May 23, 1904 – June 28, 1979) was an African-American pianist, arranger and bandleader. He never became a major name but he worked steadily throughout his long career. Hayes graduated with a music degree from Wilberforce University. From 1931, he played and arranged for six years [...]

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #143: Splanky

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"Let's Do The Hop" Frankie Manning

With “Let’s Do The Hop” – a compilation of songs closely linked to Frankie Manning – the Cologne/Germany based group “Hop Spot” just released a non-profit CD. 100% of the profit from selling this CD goes directly to the Frankie Manning Foundation. I’ve chosen Dawn Hampton’s selection for the CD “Splanky” as our Song of the Week. George Gee Swing Orchestra On “Let’s Do The Hop”, the version of this Count Basie classical is performed by the George Gee Swing Orchestra. Without Count Basie, there wouldn’t be a George Gee Swing Orchestra, though: His college radio show was a huge hit! [...]

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30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: Your Swing Shoes

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My Swing Shoes

Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the “30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“. Finally a topic that I really like Week #20: My Collection Of Swing Shoes Nothing to say right now, here’s a picture In the middle: Remix Moccasin stitch lace-up buck. From left clockwise: Aris Allen Brown Captoe, Aris Allen All White Wingtip Oxford, Aris Allen White Captoe, Aris Allen White Captoe (brandnew),

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #142: Zormpas’ Story

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Speakeasies' Swing Band! Bathtub Gin

Fresh and orginal music from Greece: The Speakeasies’ Swing Band! Originated in Thessaloniki, Greece in early 2010, the band made their first appearance in SwingALONICA, a swing festival held by “Lindy Hop Greece”, in May 2010 at Block33. This led to a successful collaboration both with the concert hall and the dancing team. Since then, the band played several times at Block33 and on all of Lindy Hop Greece’s events or festivals (Swing n’ Swim Dance Camp, Swingalonica x-mas 2010). They have participated in various festivals and the have toured in many cities around Greece. Among others, the have played [...]

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30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: That Move That Eludes You

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That Move That Eludes You

Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the “30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“. Last week we started with moves, here is another one. Week #19: Jazz Steps Challenge Me Well, this is not that easy to answer. Basically, I can learn and execute all of the steps, but sometimes, it needs me a lot of effort to memorize how to start them. Two examples: Camel Walks Squat Charleston If you feel the same, then here is a nice reference. I don’t judge on the execution of the various steps in this video, since [...]

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #141: Summit Ridge Drive

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Billy Jack Wills Summit Ridge Drive

Today, we’re doing a side trip to country music, or more precisely western swing. Billy Jack Wills Perhaps the most underrated Western swing bandleader ever was Billy Jack Wills (Feb 26, 1926 – March 2, 1991), the youngest brother of Bob, whose Western Swing Band broke new ground for the genre in the early 1950s. Billy Jack was exposed at an early age to the music of his famous brother, as well as his father, champion fiddler John Wills. After beginning his professional career in brother Johnnie Lee Wills‘ Tulsa band in the early 1940s, Billy Jack went to California to work as a bassist and drummer [...]

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30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge: That Move You Love

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Kevin St. Laurent Jo Hoffberg Texas Tommy Yo-Yo

Every Friday for thirty weeks, I will write about a topic from the list of the “30 Week Lindy Hop Challenge“. Let’s talk about moves. Week #18: Texas Tommy I like the Texas Tommy and all the variations that use the concept of bringing the follow’s arm behind her back and creating fluent movements. It takes some time and practice especially to get this flow. “Texas Tommy Yo-Yo” “Texas Tommy Yo-Yo” by Kevin St. Laurent & Jo Hoffberg. The quality of this clip is horrible, but you get the idea of the variations I’m talking about. « Previous: #17 Styling » Next: #19 That [...]

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