The Swing Movement

[Mycroft]

Ok, this may sound odd, but what is the Swing Movement of the '90's. Who and/or started it? What eneded it? When will it come back? Where did it start?

 

[Slate Shannon]

That's a reference to back in the 1990s, when there was fad of reviving swing music and dancing, but modernized a bit. I remember several clubs popping up, and lots of places offering swing dance lessons. I even have a handful of modern swing band CDs from that time. Here's a quote from a website that might explain it a little better...

"As previously noted, there was a "Rockabilly Revival" in the 1980's, as a number of bands dedicated to replicating the style and sound of the classic 1950's rock and roll emerged. As some of these bands (and some punk rock bands) further explored the roots of rockabilly and 1950's music, they learned about Jump Blues and Big Band music and began to form the so-called neo-swing bands, as witnessed by Royal Crown Revue, probably the pioneer band of the swing revival, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1989. It should also be noted that a number of Europeans had a big part in keeping swing "alive" throughout the 1980's and early 1990's. Their contribution are sometimes overlooked.

Now back to the swing revival in America in the 1990's. At first, the emerging swing scene was concentrated in California, primarily San Francisco and then Los Angeles. But a series of events, to include the 1993 film Swing Kids, the 1994 film The Mask, the 1996 film Swingers and the 1998 "Khakis Swing" GAP TV commercial (shown in the highly rated finales of "ER" and "Seinfield") that featured Louis Prima's song "Jump, Jive 'n' Wail" brought the swing revival into the mainstream.

In addition to a renewed interest in traditional swing music (i.e. Big Band, Jump Blues), the 1990's witnessed a number of neo/retro swing bands that came to prominence and began appearing on CD labels, although some of these bands had been performing before the 1990's "swing revival".

There are generally two types of neo/retro swing bands: those closer to the rock genre and those that have a more classic jazz or blues sound.

The neo/retro swing bands closer to the rock genre were formed in the 1990's by band members of alternative rock who found they favored swing and dance to dope and grunge. This type of swing music is generally played somewhat fast, but is nevertheless designed for dancing and fun. These type bands include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Royal Crown Revue, among others.

There are a number of neo/retro swing bands whose sound is closer to the classic big band, jazz, blues, or jump blues genre. These groups are the ones that are more popular with most swing dancers. These groups include Indigo Swing, Roomful of Blues, Swing Session, Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Casey MacGill and the Spirits of Rhythm, the Mighty Blue Kings, among others."

 

[Lauren]

I think it's moved to an underground movement now. Kind of settled out. It will more than likely get back into the public eye again, but I would guess more than likely a decade later. That's fine with me. As long as they buy repro clothing. In the 90's the clothing was 50 years old. In the 2010's it will be 70 years old. The memory is still too fresh for those in the "scene" when it was a fad. Their kids or their sister and brothers kids may pick up on it.

 

[Mycroft]

That's a reference to back in the 1990s, when there was fad of reviving swing music and dancing, but modernized a bit. I remember several clubs popping up, and lots of places offering swing dance lessons. I even have a handful of modern swing band CDs from that time. Here's a quote from a website that might explain it a little better...

"As previously noted, there was a "Rockabilly Revival" in the 1980's, as a number of bands dedicated to replicating the style and sound of the classic 1950's rock and roll emerged. As some of these bands (and some punk rock bands) further explored the roots of rockabilly and 1950's music, they learned about Jump Blues and Big Band music and began to form the so-called neo-swing bands, as witnessed by Royal Crown Revue, probably the pioneer band of the swing revival, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1989. It should also be noted that a number of Europeans had a big part in keeping swing "alive" throughout the 1980's and early 1990's. Their contribution are sometimes overlooked.

Now back to the swing revival in America in the 1990's. At first, the emerging swing scene was concentrated in California, primarily San Francisco and then Los Angeles. But a series of events, to include the 1993 film Swing Kids, the 1994 film The Mask, the 1996 film Swingers and the 1998 "Khakis Swing" GAP TV commercial (shown in the highly rated finales of "ER" and "Seinfield") that featured Louis Prima's song "Jump, Jive 'n' Wail" brought the swing revival into the mainstream.

In addition to a renewed interest in traditional swing music (i.e. Big Band, Jump Blues), the 1990's witnessed a number of neo/retro swing bands that came to prominence and began appearing on CD labels, although some of these bands had been performing before the 1990's "swing revival".

There are generally two types of neo/retro swing bands: those closer to the rock genre and those that have a more classic jazz or blues sound.

The neo/retro swing bands closer to the rock genre were formed in the 1990's by band members of alternative rock who found they favored swing and dance to dope and grunge. This type of swing music is generally played somewhat fast, but is nevertheless designed for dancing and fun. These type bands include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Royal Crown Revue, among others.

There are a number of neo/retro swing bands whose sound is closer to the classic big band, jazz, blues, or jump blues genre. These groups are the ones that are more popular with most swing dancers. These groups include Indigo Swing, Roomful of Blues, Swing Session, Lavay Smith and Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Casey MacGill and the Spirits of Rhythm, the Mighty Blue Kings, among others."

Wow, thanks a million.

 

[Trickeration]

Hi,
That article gives a pretty good "in a nutshell" description fo the swing movement. But I'd say that rockabilly is more of an underground scene than swing over all. Swing is probably more settled out/ underground in the San Diego area than here in L.A., though. If I had the money (and someone to get my family's dinner ) I could go dancing every night of the week here, however it's not all over the street like it was a few years ago. It depends on where you are.
I'm not a big neo-swing band fan. A lot of the horn players seem to play with more of a stacatto sound that you usually find in ska or surf punk. But I do like some of the better swing combos like Indigo Swing (since disbanded) and Royal Crown Review. My husband and I play in a 17 piece swing band. We use charts made from original recordings, some of our charts have been donated by the original players. We have several from Stan Kenton, for example.
We play pretty constantly, though there are many different faces in the clubs than there were even 3 years ago. Some of the folks moved on as they lost interest in the scene, but there are many newcomers. Also, there are still a lot of the old faces. The best part is seeing who's really into swing. The drummer form '80's band Oingo Boingo often plays with us. He's just priceless on the bandstand in a tux and sporting a mohawk, but he' loves playing swing. We do have some neo players that jump in with us too, because they like being the part of a BIG band.
I'll post a pic of John drumming with us later, right now I have to run .
Oh, and I miss seeing lots of dancers dressed in authentic vintage, but the cost of dry cleaning and the fear of ripping a nice vintage piece has chased many a lovely wardrobe to the back of the closet :cry:.

 

[Trickeration]

Here's Johnny

 

[Wild Root]

For those who know him, Jeff Beuregard started the swing dance craze in the late 1980's.

I know him rather well, he's a friend of mine that every one else I know avoids like the black plague!

He started to collect vintage, started to deal vintage clothing and swing dance in the very late 1980's. He started a dance group called "JI Jitterbugs" and I know some of the surviving members of those early days.

I know and still see some of the very early members of the neo swing movement. The good dancers I know from the early days were known and still are known as "Hollywood" swing style which is an 8 count of Lindy Hop that is smooth like Dean Collin's style. I like that style the best!

I started to swing in 1996! I know a lot of the early birds and some still come out. Peter Logins is a cool guy and funny to talk with! He know Jeff Beuregard since day one! I saw a photo of him before he covered him self with tattoos from about 1991! Oh man, seeing what the craze was like then makes me want to weep! Every one dressed great! Most of it was 100% vintage and what wasn't vintage looked great any way! People never, I repeat, NEVER wore jeans, sweats, or any gym styled clothes on the dance floor! It was all about style in the early years! And vintage was way easier to find and it was some what cheaper too.

Oh the glory days! Even Marc remembers the early days! He used to go to Catalina swing camps just to hear the good bands! I remember seeing him in 1997 there! He's been keeping it real for a long time! At that time, I was a Rookie, but now I'm an old timer who remembers a swing craze long gone!

Just thought I'd ad a little to this thread seeing I'm an old timer now.

Keep it real!

=WR=

Long live Jeff!

 

[Mycroft]

For those who know him, Jeff Beuregard started the swing dance craze in the late 1980's.

I know him rather well, he's a friend of mine that every one else I know avoids like the black plague!

He started to collect vintage, started to deal vintage clothing and swing dance in the very late 1980's. He started a dance group called "JI Jitterbugs" and I know some of the surviving members of those early days.

I know and still see some of the very early members of the neo swing movement. The good dancers I know from the early days were known and still are known as "Hollywood" swing style which is an 8 count of Lindy Hop that is smooth like Dean Collin's style. I like that style the best!

I started to swing in 1996! I know a lot of the early birds and some still come out. Peter Logins is a cool guy and funny to talk with! He know Jeff Beuregard since day one! I saw a photo of him before he covered him self with tattoos from about 1991! Oh man, seeing what the craze was like then makes me want to weep! Every one dressed great! Most of it was 100% vintage and what wasn't vintage looked great any way! People never, I repeat, NEVER wore jeans, sweats, or any gym styled clothes on the dance floor! It was all about style in the early years! And vintage was way easier to find and it was some what cheaper too.

Oh the glory days! Even Marc remembers the early days! He used to go to Catalina swing camps just to hear the good bands! I remember seeing him in 1997 there! He's been keeping it real for a long time! At that time, I was a Rookie, but now I'm an old timer who remembers a swing craze long gone!

Just thought I'd ad a little to this thread seeing I'm an old timer now.

Keep it real!

=WR=

Long live Jeff!

Thanks for the imput, Root, always a pleasure, by the way where can I learn to swing dance, I mean in person? I know some, but little.

 

[Solid Citizen]

SWing Dance Lessons

The swing dance scene is still very active & alive in the Washington D.C. area, I would classify it as a definite subculture. As far as lessons go Mycroft I would do a Google search around your home in Florida for a swing dance club that could help you out. People swing dance for many reasons social, exercise, they like the dance itself, they love the music. However i would say a very very small percentage of swing dancers are into the clothes of the 1940's. At most swing dances, dancers just wear street clothes for comfort. Peter

 

[Senator Jack]

At most swing dances, dancers just wear street clothes for comfort.

Ugh. I don't consider myself a swinger dancer - I know the basics and can get around the floor - but I do go to the dances to see the bands. I wouldn't be caught dead at the local bodega picking up a quart of milk much less show up to a dance in what these people are wearing. And that goes for the professionals who teach a class before the show, too. I've been trying to understand the psychology of these people. I mean, how can you like one aspect of an era and not be interested in anything else about it? While I'm watching them, I can't help but to think there's something very fraudulent about it.

I do frequently go to a 60s/70s Soul dance party at Roseland, and at least there they DO dress up. Nearly everyone is dressed to the nines. The crowd is from ages 21 to 101, (I'm not kidding) mostly African-American, (the caucasians are, of course, the ones who aren't very natty) and it's great to see a dancefloor full of people who get it. I wish the swing dances were the same.

Kind regards,

Senator Jack

 

[Legal Concepts]

We have a Radio Station every Sunday afternoon from One to Three PM plays nothing but Swing, Jazz, a tad of blues out of the Radio Stations "Studio B" archives, with a REAL DJ and I tell you what, that swing was some good music, SWING WILL NEVER DIE IN MY HEART!!! There is somthing "Retro" about it, carefree fun music.

 

[whistlebait]

And that goes for the professionals who teach a class before the show, too. I've been trying to understand the psychology of these people. I mean, how can you like one aspect of an era and not be interested in anything else about it? While I'm watching them, I can't help but to think there's something very fraudulent about it.

I have often wondered the same thing and completely agree with it seeming fake. If anything, it just makes me lose interest. Good point, Senator Jack.

 

[jake_fink]

Check this out: http://www.researchpubs.com/books/swinprod.php

You may not want to browse the rest of the site, but this is an interesting survey of the "neo-swing movement".

 

[jpdesign]

While he didn't start the swing movement, Brian Setzer does get a good bit of credit for getting it rolling to the size it achieved before starting to die out. It is the second musical movement he has been a big part of, the first being rockabilly. The Stray cats were the driving force behind that one. Then he decided to front a big band with a guitar, the first time for that since big bands haven't been truely popular since before amplification. I was always more partial to the Squirrel Nut Zippers and a local Austin band called The Jive Bombers.

Jimmy

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Can't Dance worth an Egg McMuffin, but...

I liked the Swing revival, short as it was (around here, anyway). My parents came from do-wop music culture, which I was exposed to by them, but the Swing revival woke me up to a style of music that I really enjoyed, new and old. I still watch "The Mask" more for the music than the movie itself. Swing just makes me feel happy and cool... and makes we want to wear a hat and a zoot suit! Now, if only I could find a right foot to replace my extra left....

 

[whistlebait]

Swing just makes me feel happy

Same reason I adore it.

 

[Wild Root]

The feeling I get from what's being said here is every one enjoys "Neo-Swing" which is the modern style that came from Ska bands turned Swing. Royal Crown Review, Squeal Nut Zippers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and the rest. They have fun sounds and can be fun to dance to. My self, what makes me feel good is the originals from 1935-1945 for me, that's swing music! Full 17 piece bands! Love it, love it, LOVE IT! If any one here wants a swing rush or to see why I prefer the original recordings to that of later years, do your self a favor and get your mitts on this CD!

http://www.venerablemusic.com/catalog/TitleDetails.asp?TitleID=5402

The song Ball of Fire is one of the most energetic hottest swing sounds of 1942! Also, the recordings of Anita O'Day will also send ya! Great CD and at a good price! Take it from a guy who has danced to this number! It's tops pops!
It's the wiggiest groove you'll slip into Dad! If you pass on this disk, don't miss the next train to square's Ville Son!

=WR=

PS. A photo of real swing dancers! Note: Not a Zoot in the Roost!

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Oh, I agree Root!

The new swing got me into it, and I do enjoy the new stuff... but it's only a shadow of the original. But I still like zoots!

Thanks for the tip on the Krupa cd. I'll check it out!

 

[resortes805]

I know this is'nt the Yehoodi boards, but would any dancers care check in with their region, and favorite style (Charleston, Lindy, bal, whatever)? It's just getting harder to find dancers that still dress vintage.

 

[humblestumble]

That's a reference to back in the 1990s, when there was fad of reviving swing music and dancing, but modernized a bit. I remember several clubs popping up, and lots of places offering swing dance lessons. I even have a handful of modern swing band CDs from that time. Here's a quote from a website that might explain it a little better...
...

The neo/retro swing bands closer to the rock genre were formed in the 1990's by band members of alternative rock who found they favored swing and dance to dope and grunge. This type of swing music is generally played somewhat fast, but is nevertheless designed for dancing and fun. These type bands include Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the Brian Setzer Orchestra, and Royal Crown Revue, among others.

I just want to chime in and say that the Cherry Poppin' Daddies are actually hardly swing and only had one swing album that pretty much took all their stuff from their previous albums and shoved it into one BECAUSE of the movement (probably). CPD was actually into grunge while they were into ska, swing, and...country lol. Theyre a hodgepodge. I'm pretty sure they did SOME drugs too...they did some whacky stuff onstage. At least, I KNOW they drank a lot of alcohol.

But this is with respect to you, because I know you didn't write it. It's just something another website said. It urks me when they are called a swing band. Or even a neo-swing band lol. But I will admit, they are what got me into this love of the era, (as well as Grease, and then other things...I love the 40s now, not so much the 50s)