Shuffle Projects

Swinging Projects for Lindy Hop & Balboa Dancers

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #98: Wednesday Night Hop

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I have to bring this song, it's too good, although it might be a little bit overplayed right now, especially on the Balboa dance floors.

Well, some of you might know the song from “Lindy Chorus“, a routine choreographed by Frankie Manning. If you don't know what I'm talking about, here is an example of “Lindy Chorus” from 2011:

Now what's the song? It's Wednesday Night Hop by Andy Kirk.

Andy Kirk took over Terrence Holder's Dark Clouds Of Joy in 1928, renamed it first in Andy Kirk and his Dark Clouds Of Joy and then Andy Kirk and his Twelve Clouds Of Joy.

When the regular pianist missed a recording session in 1929, John Williams, who was the saxophonist in the band, suggested to hire his wife Mary Lou Williams. Andy Kirk agreed and as we know today, that was a wise decision.

Mary Lou Williams was the real star in the band. She was not only a great soloist but also arranger and composer for the band. A great portion of the credit, that the band was so popular and successful, belongs without doubt to her!

From 1931 to 1942, Mary Lou Williams was a full time member of Andy Kirk's Twelve Clouds Of Joy.

Wednesday Night Hop

Why is this song so appealing to me?

First, it's the staccato style. Then there are those monotone lines repeatedly appearing, by the horn section but also by some soloists. And lastly, the transition from these two characteristics to some softer solo phrases. You know, what I mean?


DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #98: Wednesday Night Hop by Andy KirkTitle: Wednesday Night Hop
Artist: Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds Of Joy
Recorded: Feb 15, 1937 New York
Album: Baby Dear 1936-1949
Tempo: 214 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop



Click the link to download the song at
iTunes ･
iTunes EU ･ Amazon DE ･ Amazon US ･ Amazon UK


Do you think, Wednesday Night Hop is overplayed? Let us know in the comment section below!

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 #71: “Bearcat Shuffle” by Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds of Joy
Song of the Week #97: “Some Of These Days” by Mario ‘Harp' Lorenzi
Song of the Week #96: “Flaming Reeds and Screaming Brass” by Jimmie Lunceford