Shuffle Projects

Swinging Projects for Lindy Hop & Balboa Dancers

Teddy Wilson

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

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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 written this before: I definitely recommend the album “[easyazon-link asin=”B0013AUWA4″ locale=”us”]The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings[/easyazon-link]”. All the songs were carefully remastered in 1996 and it is one of my favorite compilations of Swing music ever!


[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B0013AUWA4″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518T3JsY0jL._SL160_.jpg” width=”157″]Title: [easyazon-link asin=”B0013AKXCQ” locale=”us”]Smiles[/easyazon-link]
Artist: Benny Goodman Quartet
Recorded: 1937
Album: [easyazon-link asin=”B0013AUWA4″ locale=”us”]The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings[/easyazon-link]
Tempo: 154 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop, Balboa



Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU ･ iTunes US ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001VFN2KS” locale=”de”]Amazon.de[/easyazon-link]･ [easyazon-link asin=”B0013AKXCQ” locale=”us”]A'zon.com[/easyazon-link] ･ [easyazon-link asin=”B001GSFPH8″ locale=”uk”]A'zon.co.uk[/easyazon-link] ･ emusic


Do you like small groups or do you prefer big bands? 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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Related Songs:

DJ Chrisbe’s Song of the Week #102: Rosetta

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Sometimes, I know exactly which song I would like to feature next and I write down the post in a short time.

But at times, I only know a certain criteria the song should have – e.g. a slower tempo – but can't decide which song. Then I change and change again and eventually, I have spent an hour or more, only to pick a song.

This week, the latter was the case. However, I have found one deep in my library and here is a new song for you: comfortable tempo, groovy, quite long actually :).

Rosetta

The song is called “Rosetta” and was performed and recorded by Al Casey in the 1970s.

African American Albert Aloysius Casey, better known as Al Casey (Sept. 15, 1915 – Sept. 11, 2005), learned first the violin, then shortly ukulele, but after he moved to New York in 1930, he switched to guitar.

Al Casey is best known for his collaboration with Fats Waller. In 1934, he got his first professional job with Waller and he worked with him until Waller's death in 1943. During that time, Casey played with Fats Waller's Rhythm on more than 200 records.

While his association with Waller, Casey played with Teddy Wilson's Big Band from 1939 – 1940 and recorded with Billie Holiday, among others.

Shortly after Waller's passing, Casey switched from acoustic to electric guitar, leading his own trio and being considered one of the best guitarists after Charlie Christian‘s death.

In 1957, Casey joined R&B saxophonist King Curtis‘ band and played for four years with him. In the 1970s he recorded with Helen Humes and Jay McShann, and in the 1980s with the Harlem Blues and Jazz Band.

Even in the 1990s he was still active as musician.


DJ Chrisbe's Song of the Week #102: "Rosetta" by Al Casey (1973)Title: Rosetta
Artist: Al Casey
Recorded: 1973
Album: Jumpin' with Al
Tempo: 136 bpm
Dance: Lindy Hop



Click the link to download the song at
iTunes CH/EU – iTunes US – A'zon.de – A'zon.com – A'zon.co.uk – eMusic

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What do you think about 1970s swing? 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.

Related Posts:

Song of the Week #101: “Gift For The Club” by Buck Clayton
Song of the Week #100: “Livery Stable Blues” by Original Dixieland Jass Band
Song of the Week #99: “Oh I'm Evil” by Una Mae Carlisle
Song of the Week #98: “Wednesday Night Hop” by Andy Kirk & His Twelve Clouds of Joy
Song of the Week #97: “Some Of These Days” by Mario “Harp” Lorenzi