Lindy Hop

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #146: Four Or Five Times

17.12.2012 by Chris

This is the third time I'm featuring “Four Or Five Times”, one of my all-time favorite songs. This version sounds differently, though.

Listen yourself:

Four Or Five Times

Personnel: Muggsy Spanier – trumpet, Sidney Bechet – soprano sax, Carmen Mastren – guitar, Wellman Braud – bass.

Muggsy Spanier

Francis Joseph Julian “Muggsy” Spanier (Nov. 9, 1906 – Feb. 12, 1967) was a solid cornet player cultivating the Dixieland style. Some say he was a bit predictable but always enthusiastic and expressive.

He started playing the drums, switching to cornet at age 13. Two years later, he started playing professionally. His style was influenced by King Oliver and Louis Armstrong.

In the 1920s, he was part of the Chicago jazz scene, then he played with Ted Lewis for seven years (1929-1936), before joining Ben Pollack‘s big band from 1936-1938.

He became seriously ill and had to stay in hospital for three months. After recovering, he formed his octet, the Ragtimers. They recorded 16 sides in 1939. The band was set up too early, although they inspired the Dixieland revival a few years later, they didn't get enough jobs.

Spanier joined Bob Crosby‘s orchestra in 1940 and one year later, he led his own big band during 1941-1943. After breaking up the band, he spent the rest of his career in Dixieland settings, mostly as a leader.

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B000R00K58″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/612uDAPXZHL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B000QOLR3E” locale=”us”]Four Or Five Times[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Muggsy Spanier feat. Sidney Bechet
Recorded: 1940
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B000R00K58″ locale=”us”]All Star Jazz Quartets 1928-1940 – Disc A[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 116 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001S75RH0″ locale=”de”]Amazon DE[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B000QOLR3E” locale=”us”]Amazon US[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001GJ0BYE” locale=”uk”]Amazon UK[/easyazon-link] ･ emusic

What do you think about this version? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

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

10.12.2012 by Chris

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 first-hand, and began performing around the area.

At one show, Harry Mills forgot his kazoo – the group's usual accompaniment – and ended up trying to emulate the instrument by cupping his hand over his mouth.

The brothers were surprised to hear the sound of a trumpet proceeding from Harry's mouth, so they began to work the novelty into their act, with John taking tuba, Donald trombone, and Herbert a second trumpet.

The act was perfect for vaudeville, and the Mills Brothers also began broadcasting over a Cincinnati radio station during the late 1920s.

After moving to New York, the group became a sensation and hit it big during 1931 and early 1932 with the singles “Tiger Rag” and “Dinah”.

Dumbfounded listeners hardly believed the notice accompanying the records: “No musical instruments or mechanical devices used on this recording other than one guitar.”

Though the primitive audio of the era lent them a bit of latitude, the Mills Brothers indeed sounded exactly like they'd been backed by a small studio band.

John, Jr.'s sudden death in 1936 was a huge blow to the group, but father John, Sr. took over as bass singer and Bernard Addison became the group's guitarist.

Read the full biography at allmusic.com.

Organ Grinder's Swing

A simple and minimal but oh so swinging version.

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B005EQBTVY” locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J7FnGZqhL._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B005EQ8P1Q” locale=”us”]Organ Grinder's Swing[/easyazon-link]
Artist: The Mills Brothers
Recorded: 1937
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B005EQBTVY” locale=”us”]The Mills Brothers (1930's) Vol 3[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 150 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B005EV5ZO6″ locale=”de”]Amazon DE[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B005EQ8P1Q” locale=”us”]Amazon US[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B005ESPVKM” locale=”uk”]Amazon UK[/easyazon-link] ･ emusic

What do you think about this song? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

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

26.11.2012 by Chris

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! The station asked George to interview his idol – William “Count” Basie – before a campus concert. That extensive, exclusive conversation would change George’s life forever.

The next day, he assembled his own 17-piece big band – the Make-Believe Ballroom Orchestra! Staffed by student players, the band quickly became the darling of the campus community.

That was back April 26, 1980, when George Gee, a Chinese-American born in New York, started his big band when actually no one was interested in big band jazz.

In 1998, Gee formed his 10-piece band “Jump, Jive & Wailers” and put a new twist on big band favorites and delivered all-out “rollickin’ roadhouse boogie”! (Quote from his website).

With this group, which George lovingly calls his “Economy Big Band,” they have been able to travel around the United States and the world headlining swing and Lindy Hop dance events.

Splanky

Splanky was written by Neal Hefti, who worked with Count Basie from 1950-1962. The song first appeared on the album “Count Basie Big Band” from 1954.

This tune is a classical among Lindy Hoppers. It contains a lot of breaks and energy changes, simply great for improvising!

Title: Splanky
Artist: George Gee Swing Orchestra
Recorded: 2005
Album: Let's Do The Hop
Tempo: 132 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to order CD (15€ + 5€ shipping)
and support the Frankie Manning Foundation:
www.frankiemanning.de (Link is not active anymore)

Do you like to dance to “Splanky”? 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.

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

19.11.2012 by Chris

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 with “Cherry Poppin' Daddies” and “The Rhythm Junkies“.

The Speakeasies' Swing Band! are: Caterina Sisinni (vocals), Panos Karnoutsos (electric guitar), Giannis Ntalianis (acoustic guitar), Panos Voulgarakis (double bass), Manolis Stamatiadis (piano), Ilias Gkirmpas (clarinet & sax), Thanos Anagnostopoulos (violin) and Stergios Koias (drums).

Η Ιστορία του Ζορμπά (Zormpas' Story)

The music was written by pianist Manolis Stamatiadis, the lyrics are by him as well and Giorgos Pavlidis.

It's always a pleasure to spice up DJ sets with non-English swing tunes. I also like the greek traditional music influence in this song.

This is the only greek song on the EP “Bathtub Gin” but I recommend to download all four songs, since all of them are originals by the band!

Title: Η Ιστορία του Ζορμπά (Zormpas' Story)
Artist: The Speakeasies' Swing Band!
Recorded: 2012
Tempo: 126 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

What do you think about the music by The Speakeasies' Swing Band? 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.

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

12.11.2012 by Chris

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 for the Texas Playboys. In that group, he played a significant role both as a vocalist and songwriter.

After six years, Billy Jack got his chance as a leader when Bob moved his base of operations. He assembled a band dubbed Billy Jack Wills & His Western Swing Band and began broadcasting over Sacramento's KCRA radio in 1950, soon moving to the considerably larger KFBK.

The enormous age difference of 20 years between Billy Jack and Bob meant that the younger's musical interests were considerably more advanced. While Bob had drawn inspiration from the primitive blues and jazz of the 1910s and '20s, Billy Jack's muse lay in the developing genres of jump blues, R&B, and be-bop.

These fixations gave his group a progressiveness that was found nowhere else, characterized by its hard-swinging jazz rhythms and bluesy, shouted vocals, which drew heavily from the styles of Wynonie Harris and Roy Brown.

Between 1950 and 1954, the group enjoyed a strong Northwest following, touring and building up an eclectic repertoire of radio transcriptions. They covered many of the popular black hits of the time.

The group's success, however, was short-lived. In 1954, Bob Wills disbanded the Texas Playboys and returned to Sacramento to perform with Billy Jack. The idea was to increase business at Wills Point, but the results were disastrous.

Billy Jack struggled on without success until 1960, when he retired from music.

Read the full biography by Jim Smith on allmusic

Summit Ridge Drive

In Artie Shaw's version, the harpsichord is the unusual instrument giving the tune a special note, here it's the steel guitar. Shaw's version is still a bit more pumping but I like to play Billy Jack Wills as an interesting alternative in my DJ sets.

[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B003X2CTU6″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61GAPbZb3ML._SL160_.jpg” width=”160″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B003X2CV0E” locale=”us”]Summit Ridge Drive[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Billy Jack Wills & His Western Swing Band
Recorded: 1952 (?)
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B003X2CTU6″ locale=”us”]Western Swing Band Classics[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 141 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop

Click the link to download the song at
iTunes EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B003X1PG9S” locale=”de”]Amazon DE[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B003X2CV0E” locale=”us”]Amazon US[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B003X1MOTI” locale=”uk”]Amazon UK[/easyazon-link] ･ ~~emusic~~

Do you like Western Swing? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Every Monday, I post a new “Song of the Week“.
You can find the songs also on my Spotify playlist or on 8tracks.

Lindy Hop

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #146: Four Or Five Times

Four Or Five Times

Muggsy Spanier

Related Songs:

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

The Mills Brothers

Organ Grinder's Swing

Related Songs:

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

George Gee Swing Orchestra

Splanky

Related Songs:

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

The Speakeasies' Swing Band!

Η Ιστορία του Ζορμπά (Zormpas' Story)

Related Songs:

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

Billy Jack Wills

Summit Ridge Drive

Related Songs: