Swing: The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated

[Canard]

I recently receieved a small truck load of 78s, individual disks dating from about 1903 and up to 1960 which was pretty much the end for 78s.

I have been busy speed culling the thousands of records, pulling out the things I know that I really do not want.

But there are a lot of artists I had never heard of before, and I am taking the time to give them at least a cursory listen.

One thing that I have discovered in this marathon journey is that Swing did not die--The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.

It fragmented/branched off into multiple streams: MOR big band schmaltz --tame, sedate, easy listening--a caricatue of Swing; Doo Wop; and Rock and Roll. Late MOR big bands are boring, strings, sacharine vocal choruses, less complex syncopation, less complex harmonies, less interesting solos, less. less. less. Early Doo Wop groups are very much Swing. Early proto-Rock-and-Roll is Swing.

This latter branch is very interesting. Canadian guitarist Colin James climbed out on this limb with his Little Big Band albums--highly recommended.

Here from 1953 is Buddy Morrow & his Orchestra (big band), with vocals by Frankie Lester, doing I Don't Know.

 

[Canard]

Also 1953, Tony Pastor with On Again, Off Again Blues

 

[Brad Little]

A couple of thoughts, first, as to the death of swing, it' still alive, kicking and vibrant as Western Swing. As to rock 'n' roll, I've always thought that the best rock 'n' roll has a swing element, unlike a lot of what gets lumped as rock. Can't come up with examples right now, but that's my story and I'll stick with it.

 

[kitniyatran]

"Train Kept A Rolling" and just about anything from the '50s rockabilly catalog

 

[Canard]

A couple of thoughts, first, as to the death of swing, it' still alive, kicking and vibrant as Western Swing.

Yes. I forgot that. It is a genre that I love when it is done well.

 

[jp]

A couple of thoughts, first, as to the death of swing, it' still alive, kicking and vibrant as Western Swing. As to rock 'n' roll, I've always thought that the best rock 'n' roll has a swing element, unlike a lot of what gets lumped as rock. Can't come up with examples right now, but that's my story and I'll stick with it.

I was going to say the exact same thing. There was a ton of incredible western swing issued on 78s that are very sought after. And don't forget the early rhythm and blues artists too, who are the ones who helped give birth to early rock and roll.

 

[Canard]

Swing infused Country 78s that have come out of the boxes

Elton Britt - Rotation Blues 1951
Leaning a bit more towards Rockabilly - cool yodelling.




Pee Wee King & His Golden West Cowboys - Texas Toni Lee 1952
Leaning more towards Country



Southland Polka - 1952
Some cool steel and jazzy guitar work below despite it being a polka