This subreddit is dedicated to anyone that shares an interest or dedication for dancing the historic dances done to popular music from the 1920s through the 1950s . . . also know as swing dancing. If you're new to Swing Dancing, start here by learning about Lindy Hop's origins, innovators, and legacy: http://www.yehoodi.com/history
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When I think of swing, I think of "Sing Sing Sing" by Benny Goodman. It's a cliché, but for a good reason - something about those drums and horns make everything sound more epic, like some serious business is about to go down
I also really like "OTR" (by Moka Efti Orchestra), "Ko-ko" and "The New East St Louis Toodle-O" (both Duke Ellington), "Joshua Fit de Battle of Jericho" (Sidney Bechet), "High Roller Mambo" (John Rowcroft) ... basically anything that sounds like it could accompany an action scene, villain entrance, or a "the cavalry arrives!" moment in a movie, I guess, if that makes sense.
I not interested in stuff like "T'aint What You Do", or "Don't Be That Way" (Benny Goodman) or "Jumpin' At The Woodside" (Count Basie). Energetic, bouncy, but too ... cheerful?
Individual song recommendations would be great. If what I'm looking for is an actual genre within swing, or if there are artists that specialize in this, then that would be even better to know. I'm not at all a purist - I'm happy to hear recommendations from more modern groups or that aren't strictly big band-era swing.
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I think duke ellington is your man, the way he uses dissonance to create a sense of ambivalence is chef’s kiss Ko-ko would have been my first pick as well. Maybe jumpin pumpkins? Not so epic though, more like…sly?
Minnie the moocher, When I get high I get low, you’ve got me voodoo’d, Kiss of fire, who walks in when I walk out, New Orleans bump.
I wouldn’t play the version with lyrics but I suppose what’s your story. Threatening to off someone is pretty menacing I guess.
Artie Shaw - Nightmare
Strange Machinations by Jonathan Doyle
Swingmatism by Jay McShann
Oh I'm Evil by Una Mae Carlisle
Johnny Come Lately by Duke Ellington (As people have said – Duke's great for moody stuff. Johnny Hodges, too.)
To name just a very few. I have whole sets based around this idea, so there are a ton of great options.
Also, my good buddy Hannah Gill has a whole EP called Spooky Jazz that is absolutely worth checking out.
Chelsea Reed: Pastrami on Rye
Some Artie Shaw might fit the bill - e.g. Man From Mars, The Grabtown Grapple.
Also The Goon Drag - several good versions out there, such as Sam Price's in 1941, or the 2019 one by Carolina Reapers Swing.
How about:
Hot Swing Sextet's version of Benny's Bugle
Caviar And Chitlin by The Atomic Fireballs
You might like “Shorty’s Got to Go” (Lucky Millinder)
Yes I’m Evil (Una Mae Carlisle), Who Said Shirty Wasn’t Coming Back (Lucky Millinder)
Count Basie & his Orchestra - Dr. No's Fantasy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkb3LkeRnYI
I think alot of Duke songs would work here. But I might be misunderstanding this to be moody/epic.
Old King Dooji - Duke Ellington
The Minor Goes A Muggin - Duke Ellington (maybe?)
Solid Old Man - Duke Ellington
Rhythm Rhapsody - Earl Hines
The Raggle Taggle - Boots and his buddies
Gene Krupa - Ball of Fire
The Hornet - BBC Big Band. Originally an Artie Shaw tune, and I like Artie Shaw, but I prefer this version.
Mint Julep Jazz Band - Night on Bald Mountain
Claude Thornhill - Arab Dance
Philippe Brun's version of "Bouncin' Around" has a bit of low down sneaky vibe to it.
While not exactly menacing, "Grabtown Apple" (Artie Shaw) has some "lets get down to business" energy. Like I could picture it used in a cat & mouse caper movie.
This is more modern stuff, but The Speakeasie's Swing Band!: Bright Lights Late Nights
From Swing Kids OST https://youtu.be/Ejr95aTCB74?si=ql-veTEfRmEzml2X
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I love songs with lyrics that make you do a double-take on the dance floor once you realize what they're actually saying!
Please, for the love of God, no more Richard Cheese at swing dances. I beg of you.