Swing music was the most popular form of music from the mid-1930’s until well after the American involvement in World War II. It also experienced a revival in the late-1990’s with bands like the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the Brian Setzer Orchestra. This was due, in part, to films such as Swing Kids and Swingers.

Although swing music may not be as popular as it once was in mainstream culture, it is still an excellent choice for wedding ceremonies, receptions and other events which require timeless, fun and exciting music. In fact, one of the best parts about having swing music at an event is the fact that classic swing songs can be played alongside swing revival music, allowing for the enjoyment of both younger and older audience members.

In order to fully enjoy swing music, it is essential to understand a little of its history and the composition of swing orchestras. Swing music evolved as an offshoot of jazz music from New Orleans, Kansas City and New York City in the early 1930’s. Swing music did not become widely popular until August 1935, when Benny Goodman appeared at the Palomar Ballroom. The dancers at the ballroom greatly enjoyed Goodman’s innovative rhythm and swing arrangements. After this point, swing music became more mainstream and more bands began to play it.

Popular bandleaders of this time included Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Buddy Rich, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, Chick Webb, The Dorsey Brothers, Duke Ellington, Earl Hines, Fletcher Henderson, Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller, Gloria Parker, Harry James, Louis Prima, Leo Mathisen and Shep Fields.

Chart-topping swing tunes of this era include:

• “Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter
• “Body and Soul” by Coleman Hawkins
• “Cherokee” by Charlie Barnet
• “Daddy From Georgia Way” by Bob Chester
• “Here Comes That Mood” by Vincent Lopez
• “I Can’t Get Started” by Bunny Berigan
• “In Santiago by the Sea” by Vincent Lopez
• “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller
• “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Ellington
• “Jersey Bounce” by Benny Goodman
• “Jumpin’ at the Woodside” by Count Basie
• “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Louis Prima
• “Song of India” by Tommy Dorsey
• “Stardust”, by Louis Armstrong / Glenn Miller / Artie Shaw
• “Tonight Be Tender To Me” by Una Mae Carlisle
• “Tuxedo Junction” by Glenn Miller
• “White Christmas” by Bring Crosby
• “Mack the Knife” by Louis Armstrong
• “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by the Andrews Sisters

Typically, swing music of the mid-1930’s featured a strong, anchoring rhythm section which supported loosely tied wind and brass instruments. Closer to the 1940s, string or vocals sections were added. Eventually, swing’s popularity was eclipsed by the pop singers and crooners. Many of the popular singers who came about in this time originated in the swing era. For example, the Dorsey Brothers launched the career of Frank Sinatra. Swing’s popularity waned as World War II progressed, due to the fact many of the musicians were overseas fighting the war and the economic hardship of funding and touring with such large bands during wartime.

Fortunately for this lively, fun style of music, a revival was seen in the late-1990’s. From 1997 to 2001, the swing revival was led by bands like the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, the Squirrel Nut Zippers, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Royal Crown Revue and the Brian Setzer Orchestra, among others. Swing dancing was also revived and combined the 1930’s dance styles with those from the 1990’s and 2000’s. In 2001, British pop singer Robbie Williams released a popular swing cover album entitled, “Swing When You’re Winning”, which sold 7 million copies worldwide.

Swing orchestras typically feature the clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, piano, double bass and drums, among other instruments. Swing music features a lead section typically composed of brass instruments like trumpets and trombones which is supported by a strong rhythm section. Swing often has medium to fast tempos and a “lilting” swing time rhythm. Swing bands typically feature soloists who improvise a new melody over an existing arrangement.

Today, Swing dancing is a popular activity for those who are looking to have fun and burn off some steam! If you’re convinced that a live swing orchestra is the perfect touch for your wedding, ceremony, reception or other special event, contact us today to hire The Whole of the Moon Swing Orchestra!

We have even more exciting news for the fans, friends and clients of Perfect Music for Weddings: the artistic director and feature violinist, fiddler and composer for Perfect Music for Weddings (and member of the Silver Mountain Fiddle Band and the Sparrow Lane String Quartet), Chris Murphy, recently attended highly critically acclaimed violinist and fiddler Mark O’Conner’s performance at UCLA. He was fortunate enough to meet with Mark and discuss violin music and fiddle music. The two musical Renaissance men met and discussed Classical, Jazz, Folk and Bluegrass music. We at Perfect Music for Weddings were very excited about this, as Mark O’Connor is one of the most acclaimed violinists and fiddlers in the world. His music encompasses and adeptly blends the Classical, Jazz, Folk and Bluegrass genres and his talents as a violinist and fiddler are world renowned. In fact, remarking on his composition “The Appalachian Waltz” former president Bill Clinton stated enthusiastically that it was “one of the most important pieces of American music in many, many years, uniting the strains of classical music with American hill country music, which is an important part of my heritage.”

Mark O’Connor won the National Junior Fiddling Championship in 1974. He studied under Texas fiddle musician Benny Thomasson and Jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli. O’Connor has won two Grammy awards. His first was for his album, “New Nashville Cats”, and his second was for his album “Appalachian Journey”, on which he worked with Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer. O’Connor was also named “Musician of the Year” by the Country Music Association for six years in a row, from 1991 to 1996. Since then, he has continued to compose, arrange, and record a variety of music, from Classical and Jazz to Country and Bluegrass. O’Connor has composed six violin concertos, and arranged string trios and string quartets, as well as choral works and a Symphony. He has worked and recorded with a wide variety of artists, including James Taylor, Alison Krauss, Bela Fleck, and Wynton Marsalis.

The most exciting part of Chris Murphy meeting with Mark O’Connor is their similar interests in musical genres and their performance styles. Chris’ independent work and his performances with the Sparrow Lane String Quartet and the Silver Mountain Fiddle Band, in particular, bridge the genres of Classical, Jazz, Country and Bluegrass. We hope that both musicians were able to take away some valuable knowledge from their meeting.