The Best of Modern Swing Jazz Music
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A great selection of some of the best modern swing jazz music to get your feet tapping.
The Best of Modern Swing Jazz Music
In the past decade or so, there has been a resurgence in popularity of swing jazz music. While the exact origins of the genre are hotly debated, there is no denying that it is enjoying a period of popularity not seen since its inception in the 1920s and 30s.
So what is it about this style of music that has captivated listeners old and new? And where can you go to hear the best of modern swing jazz?
Swing jazz is characterized by its fast tempo, often up-tempo beats, and its focus on improvisation. It is also heavily influenced by blues music. This combination of elements results in a sound that is at once nostalgic and yet contemporary.
There are many artists working in the swing jazz genre today, but some standouts include Nikki Yanofsky, Alex Pangman, and Shannon Barnett. These artists have helped to bring swing jazz back into the mainstream and their music is enjoyed by fans all over the world.
If you’re looking for somewhere to start listening to modern swing jazz, be sure to check out the music of Nikki Yanofsky, Alex Pangman, and Shannon Barnett. You’re sure to find something you enjoy!
The Best Swing Jazz Bands
In the 1930s and 1940s, swing jazz was the most popular type of jazz music. Swing jazz bands were characterized by a strong rhythm section, improvised solos, and a wide range of musical influences. The best swing jazz bands were able to appeal to a wide range of audiences and create a new sound that was both fresh and familiar.
Today, there are many excellent swing jazz bands that are keeping the genre alive and evolving. If you’re looking for some great swing jazz to listen to, here are some of the best bands currently active.
The Best Swing Jazz Albums
In the opinion of this writer, these are the best modern swing jazz albums currently available.
“Confession” by The Hot Sardines
Released in 2013, “Confession” is the debut album from The Hot Sardines. It’s a toe-tapping collection of tunes that will get you up and dancing in no time. From the brassy opening number “Be My Neko” to the mellow closer “Swing 39,” this album is sure to please swing jazz fans of all ages.
“Puttin’ On The Ritz” by The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Led by guitar virtuoso Brian Setzer, The Brian Setzer Orchestra is one of the most popular swing jazz bands of the modern era. Their 1998 album “Puttin’ On The Ritz” is a swinging good time from start to finish, with such memorable tracks as the title track, “Jump Jive An’ Wail,” and a cover of Louis Prima’s classic “Sing, Sing, Sing.”
“All That Swing” by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s 1994 debut album “All That Swing” introduced the world to their unique brand of retro-tinged swing jazz. This album features some of their most well-known songs, such as “Go Daddy-O,” “You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby),” and a cover of Cab Calloway’s “Minnie The Moocher.”
The Best Swing Jazz Songs
Swing jazz is a type of jazz that developed in the early 1930s and gained popularity in the mid-1930s. It is characterized by a fast tempo, accented rhythms, and often includes improvised solos. Swing jazz is also sometimes referred to as big band jazz or mainstream jazz. The best swing jazz songs are characterized by their catchy melodies, up-tempo beats, and often include solos from some of the most famous jazz musicians of all time.
Some of the best swing jazz songs include:
-“Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller
-“Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter
-“Blue Skies” by Irving Berlin
-“Cheek to Cheek” by Irving Berlin
-“Georgia on My Mind” by Hoagy Carmichael
-“Honeysuckle Rose” by Fats Waller
-“I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin
-“In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
-“It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
– “Lady Be Good!” By George Gershwin
The Best Swing Jazz Musicians
Swinging jazz is an enduring musical style that first rose to popularity in the 1920s and 1930s. Though its popularity waxed and waned over the years, it has experienced a resurgence in recent years. If you’re a fan of swing jazz, or if you’re curious about this musical style, check out this list of some of the best swing jazz musicians currently active. You’re sure to find something to suit your taste!
The Brian Setzer Orchestra: This band, led by legendary guitarist Brian Setzer, is one of the most popular and well-known modern swing bands. They mix elements of rockabilly and jazz to create a unique and upbeat sound.
The Cherry Popping Daddies: This band came onto the scene in the 1990s with their hit song “Zoot Suit Riot.” They mix elements of big band swing with punk rock energy, resulting in a sound that is both fun and nostalgic.
The Hot Club of Cowtown: This trio specializes in “gypsy jazz,” a subgenre of swing that originated in France in the 1930s. Their music is frequently featured on TV shows and movies set in the 1930s-1940s era.
The Lindsay Holler Trio: This South Carolina-based trio plays original compositions as well as classic standards from the swing era. Their music has been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
The Manhattan Transfer: This Grammy-winning vocal group has been performing since 1969. They are known for their intricate vocal harmonies and their ability to seamlessly blend genres like jazz, pop, R&B, and gospel.
The Best Swing Jazz Performances
Swing jazz is a style of jazz that was developed in the early 1920s and continued through the mid-1950s. It is characterized by a strong rhythm section, complex melodies, and horns playing improvised solos. Swing jazz is also often referred to as big band jazz because it is typically performed by a large ensemble.
There are many great swing jazz performances, but some stand out above the rest. Duke Ellington’s “Cotton Club Stomp” (1930), Count Basie’s “One O’Clock Jump” (1937), and Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing” (1937) are all considered classics of the genre. Modern swing jazz performers like Wynton Marsalis and the Squirrel Nut Zippers have kept the genre alive and well into the 21st century.
The Best Swing Jazz Clubs
The best swing jazz clubs are the perfect place to enjoy the upbeat melodies and soulful sounds of this classic genre. From intimate speakeasies to lively dance halls, these venues offer a fun and unique way to experience swing jazz.
Swing jazz emerged in the early 20th century, blending elements of African-American ragtime and blues with European classical and popular music. The result was a distinctive and infectious style of music that quickly gained popularity around the world. Swing jazz is characterized by itscatchy rhythms, complex melodies, and improvisational solos.
Today, swing jazz is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the rise of vintage-inspired fashion and retro pop culture. If you’re looking to experience this classic genre in all its glory, be sure to check out one of these top swing jazz clubs.
The Best Swing Jazz Festivals
While the origins of swing jazz can be traced back to the 1920s, the genre didn’t gain widespread popularity until the 1930s and ’40s. Thanks to breakout performers like Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong, swing jazz soon became one of the most popular genres of music in America.
While the golden era of swing jazz has come and gone, there are still a number of great festivals dedicated to this classic style of music. Here are just a few of the best swing jazz festivals around the world:
The All-Star Big Band Jazz Festival (USA)
The All-Star Big Band Jazz Festival is held every year in Tampa, Florida. The four-day event features some of the biggest names in swing jazz, including Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and legendary bassist Ron Carter.
The Breda Jazz Festival (Netherlands)
Founded in 1984, the Breda Jazz Festival is one of the longest-running swing jazz festivals in Europe. The annual event takes place in Breda, Netherlands and typically features around 30 different performances. past headliners include soul singer Caprice Fountain and Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.
The Jamboree In Swing Jazz Festival (Spain)
Held every year in Barcelona, Spain, the Jamboree In Swing Jazz Festival is one of the largest swing jazz festivals in Europe. The five-day event features more than 100 different concerts, ranging from traditional swing jazz to more modern interpretations of the genre.
The Best Swing Jazz Radio Shows
The modern swing jazz music scene is one of the most vibrant and exciting in the world today. While the roots of swing jazz go back to the early 20th century, the genre has seen a massive resurgence in popularity in recent years.
There are now dozens of incredible radio shows dedicated to playing nothing but the best modern swing jazz music. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 10 of the very best.
So, whether you’re a seasoned fan of swing jazz or just getting started, make sure to tune into one of these great radio shows!
1. The Jive Aces Radio Show
2. The Maxi Jazz Show
3. The Joe Jackson Show
4. The Benny Goodman Show
5. The Lionel Hampton Show
6. The Charlie Parker Showcase
7. The Ella Fitzgerald Showcase 8. The Frank Sinatra Showcase 9. The Tony Bennett Show 10.The Dean Martin Radio Hour
The Best Swing Jazz Record Labels
There are many great swing jazz record labels out there, but which ones are the best? Here is a list of our top five:
1. Blue Note Records
Blue Note is home to some of the best swing jazz musicians of all time, including Thelonious Monk, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane. If you’re looking for classic swing jazz recordings, this is the label to check out.
2. Verve Records
Verve was founded in 1956 by Norman Granz, and it quickly became one of the most important labels in jazz. The label’s roster includes such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday. If you want to explore the history of swing jazz, Verve is a great place to start.
3. Impulse! Records
Impulse! was founded in 1960 by John Coltrane’s manager Bob Thiele. The label was incredibly important in the development of avant-garde and free jazz, and it boasts recordings from some of the genre’s most important figures, including Coltrane himself, Archie Shepp, and Pharaoh Sanders. If you’re interested in exploring the more experimental side of swing jazz, Impulse! is definitely the label for you.
4. Atlantic Records
Atlantic was one of the first major labels to sign swing jazz musicians, and it helped to popularize the genre with mainstream audiences. Some of the label’s most important signings include Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday. If you want to check out some of the most popular swing jazz recordings of all time, Atlantic is definitely worth checking out.
5. Prestige Records