The Many Faces Of Swing

Some swing, some try to swing and some cannot swing.

Commercial musicians dread the thought of having a “Legit” musician in their section just as orchestral musicians shudder at the thought of having a “Jazzer” join their section.

Each ensemble is capable of executing the proper articulation and emphasis with their own music but many times are incapable of applying the same elements to the other style and for that reason I have decided to explain and show the difference in this post.

Let us begin with the hierarchy of the feeding trough; the orchestral play’s interpretation.

Stage Band Cute

Next on our list is the musician who has performed in a school stage band and plays often (twice a year) when touring groups pass through town as well as four dances at the local Moose Lodge.

Orchestral Cute

Finally we have the seasoned veteran who has performed with at least one of the top jazz schools or has been on the road for more than two years with a nationally recognized working band (this does not include any sweet bands such as Guy Lombardo, Lawrence Welk, Sammy Kay, or any local polka bands).

NTS Cute

From our examples you should be able to recognize the subtle as well as obvious differences in articulation and emphasis applied to each. If you are unable to distinguish the differences, you may be interested in the job opening I saw this evening at our local Panera Bread Cafe.

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

2 thoughts on “The Many Faces Of Swing

  1. Derek

    ???? …..but they’re all bad….

    • Bruce Chidester

      I would like to know what your complaint is.
      Please give me your thoughts on this subject.

Comments are closed.