Swing and Lindy Hop Dance Music
There are a HUGE number of swing-able songs from all eras from the 1920's to the 1990's. We recommend the following compilation CD's as a good starting point for a collection of dance music. This way, you can sample a bunch of different groups to see which you like:
Highly Recommended:
1. Frankie Manning's Really Swingin' Big Band Favorites: 1995 by Living
Traditions/Sony Music Special Products
2. The Rock'n'Roll Era (6 or 7 CD set, about 22 songs per CD) From Time-Life Music, usually available from a late night TV offer
3. Blues Masters Vol.14: More Jump Blues, 1993 Rhino Records
4. Blues Masters Vol.5: Jump Blues Classics, 1992 Rhino Records
5.(Malcolm Laycock presents) Swingdance vol.1, Flyright Records, 1999 SDCD 2260-2, vol. 2, Flyright Records, 1999 SDCD 2261-2, vol.3 Flyright Records, 1999, SDCD2262-2
6. Jumpin' Jive: Jump Blues Essentials, Hip-O Records CD# HIPD 40158
7. Heroes of Rock & Roll, (2 CD set) 1995 MCA Records, Inc (Razor & Tie Music Corp.) CD#MSD2-35803
8. Big Band's Greatest Hits, vols. 1 & 2, Charly Records, have a lot of great music, various tempos, most of it good for dancing
Recommended:
9. Billboard Top Rock 'n' Roll Hits (about 6 CDs, can be purchased individually
or as a set, 10 songs per CD).
10. Various Artists: Mercury R & B (1946-62) 2 CD set 1989 Polygram Records
11. Decca Jazz: An Anthology of Big Band Swing (1930-1955) 2 CD set, 1993 GRP Records
12. Big Bands in Hi-Fi Vol. I (Let's Dance) 2 CD set 1995 Capitol Records...Kelly believes these are songs recorded by the original bands, that were re-recorded in the 50's, again by the original bands, using what was then the newer Hi-Fidelity technology.
13. Jumpin' Like Mad - Cool Cats & Hip Chicks Non-stop Dancin', CD set 1996, Capitol Records. R & B music from the 40's & 50's.
14. 15 Down Home Urban Blues Classics 1996 Arhoolie Productions
15. Jumpin' the Blues vol. 1 1997 Wanna Dance Productions
16. Swing This Baby! 1998 by Slimstyle Recording Corp/Beyond Music (BMG Distribution). A compilation of contemporary "neo" swing music, mostly faster music.
17. Next Generation Swing 1998 Beast 56532. Mostly faster music.
18. The Golden Age of Swing vol 1, 1929/1939, Jazz Archives No. 7, EPM 1995 CD#158452
More Music Suggestions:
Tango Calendar
Argentine Tango
Swing and Lindy Hop
Latin Dance
Ballroom
Classes, Special
Events, & Performances
For more information:
Kelly Ray
tanguero@verizon.net
(215) 574-9555
or
Lesley Mitchell
tanguera@verizon.net
(215) 629-2344