Shuffle Projects

Swinging Projects for Lindy Hop & Balboa Dancers

DJ Chrisbe

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #9: Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho

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The inspiration for Jazz musicians came often from traditional songs or from spirituals. They took the song and improvised over it. An example is the spiritual Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho.

One of my favourite version is from 1946 by New Orleans pioneer and trombonist Edward «Kid» Ory (1886-1973).

Ory's career spans over 50 years. From 1912 until 1919 he led one of the most popular bands in New Orleans. Although he left the music business in the 30s to run a chicken farm, he made a major comeback in the 40s. 1943 he rivived Kid Ory's Creole Orchestra and he played, toured and recorded until he retired 1966.

I just love this song! The rhythm section makes me dance immediately, the singers are great, the clarinet voicing is beautiful, and not to forget the warm trombone solo.

Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Bands In The Forties

Title: Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho
Artist: Kid Ory's Creole Orchestra
Recorded: 15.10.1946
Tempo: 160 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop, Balboa

Click the link to download the song from: Amazon

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.

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

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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

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.

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #7: No More Love

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For this week I have chosen a R&B song – played by a big band – rather than a typical Swing song, but it's just perfect to dance Lindy Hop to.

Pianist Buddy Johnson (1915-1977), his real name was Woodrow Wilson Johnson, led a large jump blues band that was very successful during the 1940s and 1950s.

He featured different vocalists but his younger sister Ella Johnson was the primary singer of the band.

No More Love is a great example of the big band's driving sound at a slower tempo and Ella's soulful voice.

Buddy Johnson Walk'em The Decca Sessions

Title: No More Love
Artist: Buddy Johnson And His Orchestra
Recorded: Dec. 19, 1950
Tempo: 125 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song from: Amazon

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.

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #6: The Gal From Joe’s

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Another great song is The Gal From Joe's composed by Duke Ellington and Irving Mills, here in my preferred version by Charlie Barnet (1913-1991).

Charlie Barnet was a son of wealthy parents who had hoped he would become a lawyer. However Charlie led his first orchestra on a transatlantic ocean liner at the age of 16 years!

Charlie later led what was known as «The Blackest White Band Of Them All» and he was a great admirer of Duke Ellington (as well of Count Basie). He mainly played tenor sax, influenced by Coleman Hawkins, but also alto and soprano sax. Barnet was able to emulate Johnny Hodges‘ style on alto, our song of the week is a great example of this ability.

Title: The Gal From Joe's
Artist: Charlie Barnet
Released: 24.2.1939
Tempo: 164 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

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.

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DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #5: The Game Of Love

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This is a beautiful song by Fairground Attraction, a Scottish pop band which only existed from 1987-1990. They are most known for their world hit «Perfect», released 1988.

«The Game Of Love» is a wonderful swinging song, although I wouldn't play it at every Swing night. But sometimes it's just the perfect song!


Title: The Game Of Love
Artist: Fairground Attraction
Released: 1990
Album: Ay Fond Kiss
Tempo: 144 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song from: Amazon

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.

Now Check Out