[Dixielandjazz] Swing Dance Gigs

[Ken Mathieson]

Andy Ling reported a converstaion with a ,usicain friend about playing for swing dance groups:

> snip
He said he has played for swing dancers, but finds he doesn't enjoy it. 
His
analysis of why was that the dancers aren't the slightest bit interested 
in
the music, only the rhythm. They all come along dressed in authentic 
period
clothes and dance all night, but are only interested in the right rhythm 
for the
dances.

He does the gigs, but would rather be playing for an audience the enjoys
the music.

Is this just a UK thing or maybe just this area or do others see a similar
thing happening?

< snip

Hi Andy,

I don't think it's a geographical thing: I don't get many opportunities nowadays to play for swing dancers, but used to play for the Jiving Lindy Hoppers when they were in Scotland. I love playing for people who can really dance to jazz. They feed off the band's energy and the band feeds off theirs. In my experience, the harder the band swings,  the more the dancers enjoy it. One of the greatest jazz drummers, Big Sid Catlett, loved playing for chorus lines and was loved by the chorus girls in turn because his tempo was rock-steady, he swung mightily and he played accents to match the high-stepping kicks etc. On the other hand, playing for people who don't dance with energy, rhythm and a bit of invention can be a real drag.

Cheers,

Ken Mathieson