[Dixielandjazz] Battle of the Bands Chick Webb vs. Benny Goodman

[Stephen G Barbone]

Here's Frankie Manning and Norma Miller (swing dance LEGENDS and Lindy Hop originators) talking about a magical night at the Savoy Ballroom in 1937. These kinds of cutting contests disappeared and I, for one, miss them, having played at a few challenge sessions in  the early 1950s. It was part of paying your dues back then and IMO (though perhaps not yours)  music or art in any form is best performed by folks who have competitive natures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7yGiTxAyRQ&feature=related

To hear  full blown Webb band editions of "Stompin at the Savoy" and "Don't Be That Way" go to. These seem to be similar, if not the same, to the arrangements Benny Goodman used. Interesting to compare their bands senses of "swing".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgX5_waK--w

Cheers,
Steve Barbone
www.myspace.com/barbonestreetjazzband