DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #114: Smiles

Written by on · Leave a Comment
DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #93: "Moonglow" (Take 2) by Benny Goodman Quartet

Back in November 2010, I posted “Smiles” by Swiss alto saxophonist Flavio Ambrosetti as the Song of the Week #35. Five years earlier, Benny Goodman recorded “Smiles” with his quartet, featuring Lionel Hampton on vibraphone, Teddy Wilson on piano and Gene Krupa on drums. Smiles Let’s listen to two versions. First, the studio version (it’s a bit scratchy…) And now, a live version, obviously from the same year (although, I don’t have any evidence for that) Smiles is wonderful song, both for Lindy Hop and Balboa. Because of the clear rhythm, it’s especially useful for Balboa (beginner) classes. Probably, I have [...]

[ Click to Read more ]

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #93: Moonglow

Written by on · Leave a Comment
DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #93: "Moonglow" (Take 2) by Benny Goodman Quartet

I’m a big admirer of Benny Goodman’s small group recordings from 1935 to 1939. He recorded with different group sizes and what I like is the relaxness in the songs, there is so much joy of play hearable. The sound is full and often, you get the feeling, there were many more musicians involved than actually were. Most of the recordings were done as a quartet, with Gene Krupa on drums, Teddy Wilson on piano and Lionel Hampton on vibes. Please note, that two of the musicians (Wilson and Hampton) were black. It was quite uncommon at that time to [...]

[ Click to Read more ]

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #40: Piano Stomp (Shine)

Written by on · Leave a Comment
Lionel Hampton Piano Stomp (Shine)

Frenchie Balboa Festival (FBF) is over! Another great Balboa weekend with great dances and great music. If you would like to improve your speed in Balboa dancing and especially shuffling, here is my song of the week which will be a challenge for sure. This is one of the fastest song I’ve ever danced to: A breathtaking version of Shine with 300 bpm!! Lionel Leo Hampton (20.04.1908-31.08.2002) was one of the swing giants, he was the first jazz vibraphonist, but also pianist, percussionist, band leader and actor. 1936 he was discovered by Benny Goodman, shortly afterwards he played and recorded [...]

[ Click to Read more ]

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #8: Alreet

Written by on · Leave a Comment
Anita O'Day In Memoriam

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 [...]

[ Click to Read more ]