Swing it!

(picture credits: http://jazzprofiles.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html)

During the lecture on Monday, I have learned more about swing music. I used to think that swing was just jazz. It was only after the lecture that I know how swing music have a very distinct and unique style. Highlighting a solo in the arrangements makes it easier for people to remember the song and sets it apart from other types of jazz music. One example would be "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller. The solo at the start of the song has become so distinct that almost everyone knows it.

It was also interesting to learn about "The Cotton Club" and how the club had became a more elite nightclub in order to cater to the whites who are wealthy. As most customers go to the club to "experience" the black culture, racial stereotypes are being played in the shows to give the customers what they want. Would things have been different if "The Cotton Club" did not played racial stereotypes in their shows? Would the place still be popular?

To end off my blog post, I am going to share a YouTube clip.
This clip is from a Japanese movie called "Swing Girls".
It is about how a group of high school students form a big band swing group. It is amazing to see the influence swing music have on the pop culture. (especially when this is a Japanese movie! Music really have no boundaries!)





Songs played in this clip:
- Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller
- Mexican Flyer by Ken Woodman
- Sing Sing Sing (with a swing) by Louis Prima


Zi Xuan