Anita O'Day Archives - Shuffle Projects

Stanley Newcomb «Stan» Kenton (Dec. 15, 1911 – Aug. 25, 1979) was a white pianist, composer, arranger and bandleader of original and often controversial bands.

Kenton grew up in California and learned playing piano as a teenager. Throughout the years, he performed with various territory bands, theater groups and dance bands. His early influence on piano was Earl Hines.

In 1940, Kenton formed a rehearsal band, later named «Artistry in Rhythm» after his theme song, and in the summer of 1941, they were playing regularly at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach, CA, and were gaining a strong following.

Like Jimmie Lunceford, Kenton loved screaming trumpets and thick-toned tenors. He admired the bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington, but he wanted to go in another direction.

During 1941-1942, he made his first recordings, but they didn't sell well.

The orchestra struggled for a couple of years. In late 1943, the orchestra began its 25-year association with Capitol by recording the hit «Eager Beaver». Singer Anita O'Day and tenor saxophonist Stan Ketz were with the orchestra for a brief moment.

Tabby The Cat

From that period is our song of the week. Although it was never Stan Kenton's goal to lead a band that played swing for dancers, this tune works great for dancing.

A nice, relaxed song with the typical «sharp» Stan Kenton big band sound!

[easyazon-image align=»left» asin=»B0050LKMQQ» locale=»us» height=»160″ src=»https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61jbqJt-KwL._SL160_.jpg» width=»160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=»B0050LKOH8″ locale=»us»]Tabby The Cat[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Anita O'Day with Stan Kenton & His Orchestra
Recorded: 1944
Album: [easyazon-link asin=»B0050LKMQQ» locale=»us»]Great Big Band Singers – 25 Song Collection[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 132 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=»B004YX5QJY» locale=»de»]Amazon.de[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=»B0050LKOH8″ locale=»us»]A'zon.com[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=»B004YXQ5GM» locale=»uk»]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ emusic

What do you think about the this song? Share your thoughts 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.

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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
Tempo: 190 bpm
Dance: Balboa, Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song from: Amazon

By the way, there is a documentary about Anita O'Day's career:

Anita O'Day – The Life Of A Jazz Singer

You can find the songs of the series also on my Spotify playlist.
Official hashtag of the series: #djcsotw

Do you like the «Song of the Week» series? Share your thoughts below.

Anita O'Day

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #131: Tabby The Cat

Tabby The Cat

Related Songs:

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

Anita O'Day – The Life Of A Jazz Singer

Now Check out: