Swing Band Q & A
Swing Band Q & A
I am always slightly dubious when someone decides they want a swing band for their event, playing swing band music all night long. Especially when dancing is involved. That is why I though a Swing Band Q & A may help some potential clients to focus down on what they really want, and dare I say, what they really need. My usual first question is always, “which swing artists do you like?” Yes, it is me asking the questions, the Q & A, and getting the potential client to give the answers. The reason I ask this question is because it gives me a good idea of what the enquiry is based on. If they mention Louis Prima or Louis Jordan then chances are they like Jump Jive and early Rock and Roll. And thats fine! That’s what the Q & A is for. If the client has no idea of any swing band artists then I will present a wide range of jazz flavoured, audience friendly material as possible.
Swing Band Q & A
Swing Band Q & A
Obviously there are some enquirers who know their music inside out, you should never assume otherwise. Booking a swing band could mean employing a group of musicians to play a mixture of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Woody Herman tunes. these were major swing band artists from the thirties through to the late seventies. My next question is usually “Are you and your guests swing dancers” There are many clubs in London and beyond which teach swing, lindy hop, jive etc, and it is always a lot of fun playing for such a group of people. They can be fantastic dancers, great to watch them dancing to swing tunes. The important thing is always to play at the correct tempo. As part of my swing band q & a this question is essential. Once I know that we have serious dancers we can cater the repertoire accordingly.
Swing Band Q & A
My third and final question is “what is your band for?” If the answer is a party, then I know I need a secret weapon. I need musicians who can play classic pop as well as swing!! Whether it is a wedding and birthday party, an office party or a anniversary, I know that after a few numbers people will want to break from the jazz band, swing band mode and start to get itchy for a knees up! They really want to hire a party band. So be honest with yourself with this swing band q & a. Yes, the idea of swing is great! Nobody likes being in a great swing band playing some fantastic tunes more than I do. However, if after a few songs people start coming up and ask if you if you can do something “a bit more lively” then you know they want a party band. If your band can’t deliver then you are in for a long night of misery. there is nothing more tragic than a swing band trying to play pop songs if they don’t have the repertoire or the right kind of musicians to perform them.