Interested in the Big Band Revival: Chick Webb project that’s kicking off tonight? Hear project organizer Michael Gamble talk about his vision for transcribing swing-era classics for modern bands on Episode 15 of The Track Podcast!
Big Band Revival: Chick Webb
Say what you will about its UI (and I do ever in Episode 10 of The Track), this month’s guest Rob Moreland has been using Spotify to spread his love and knowledge of swing music to a fine degree. Not only has he posted setlists inspired by his gigs as head DJ at events such as Swing Out New Hampshire, Nevermore Jazz Ball, and Lindy Focus, but he’s got themed playlists of Basie Sidemen, Duke Ellington, and more.
Follow Rob on Spotify and check out Episode 10 for tons more swing DJ conversation, including how he found swing dancing after playing second fiddle in a cajun band, compare some of our worst DJ mistake horror stories, and explore the differences between DJing at large national events and local regular gigs. We also commiserate on our mutual weakness for remembering song titles, compare notes on preparing for gigs & contest music, and Rob shares some advice he’d give to new and aspiring DJs.
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Episode 10 of The Track arrives on Tuesday! This month, I am joined by the Head DJ of Lindy Focus, Rob Moreland. Now based in St. Louis, Rob has been DJing for lindy hop dancers since 2003, when he started a four-year stretch of DJing every week at a local dance in Raleigh, NC. Rob has DJed countless international dance events, including the Basie Centennial Ball, Frankie100, and Lindy Showdown, and has been the featured DJ at Stompology, Swing Out New Hampshire, and the Nevermore Jazz Ball.
Prepare for my upcoming swing DJ geekout with Rob by checking out this quick Q&A he did with the folks at Cumberland Shuffle in 2012, and tune in next week for our conversation!
If you enjoyed this month's conversation with Jonathan Stout, be sure to check out his Swing Guitar Blog, where he maintains in-depth reviews of vintage guitars and breaks down tunes with charts, videos & much more. It's required reading for anyone interested in swing music and great insight into what makes Jonathan tick.
By the way, have we mentioned that this month’s guest, Shana Worel, has just launched a new blog with co-author Peter Flahiff? She did, it’s new, and it’s great.
In their own words, “This blog is the result of a question: wouldn’t it be cool if other
people could get in on the nerdy chats that Peter and Shana have about
swing music?”
The answer is, “Yes, Shana. Yes, it would.” So, while you’re listening to Episode 4 of The Track this month, check out their first posts breaking down the tunes “Flying Home,” “Down South Camp Meeting,” and more.
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