Swing and Bebop (1930s - 1940s)

Swing and Bebop (1930s - 1940s)

1. SWING

   • RISE of FAN CULTURE: "STAR" PERFORMERS
   • BIG BANDS
     • MUSIC for DANCING
     • AFRO-AMERICAN DANCE ORCHESTRAS (1910s)
       • AFRO-AMERICAN THEATRE ORCHESTRAS
         • AFRO-AMERICAN MILITARY BANDS
           • SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - PAUL WHITEMAN
     • BENNY GOODMAN: Born Chicago, poor Jewish neighbourhood
       • 1934 - Forms his Own Band
         • Hosts Popular RADIO SHOWS on BNC with Band
           • As well as his BIG BAND, Forms RACIALLY MIXED TRIO (Pianist TEDDY WILSON) in 1935
             • Later a Mixed QUARTET (Vibraphonist: Lionel Hampton)
               • PERFORM CARNEGY HALL, 1938
                 • JAZZ GAINS "ELITE" Approval
     • SINGER: FEMALE "CANARIES'
       • MOST SWING BANDS HAD SINGERS
       • COMMERCIAL MUSIC ( FEMALE PRESENCE)
         • ARRANGEMENTS WERE WRITTEN FOR BAND NOT FOR SINGERS
       • PORTRAYED THEMSELVES AS WORKING GIRLS
   • HUGE COMMERCIAL SUCCESS
     • "MAINSTREAM" Pop Music
   • Socio-Cultural Context
     • "NEW DEAL"
       • Cultural Form of "the People", accessible, Inclusive, Democratic = American
     • after GREAT DEPRESSION
     • Both Radical & Conservative Aspects
   • Youth Craze, popularised in Films
     • Dance halls: The SAVOY
       • Not Segregated
       • Dance Contests alongside Swing band : battles"
   • 4/4 Pulse, Tight group arrangements with "Breaks" & Solo Spotlight
     • "Smoothness"
       • "Liberation of Drummer"
       • Swap "Tuba" with "String Bass"
   • Duke Ellington, Mixed Race Middle Class, Pianist, Bandleader, Arranger, Residency at COTON CLUB, Harlem

2. Bebop

   • Post War - Small Bands
   • CHARLIE PARKER QUINTET
   • Mid -1940s to Early 1950s
   • Traditional 12-bar blues form
     • A B and Repeat A
   • CHARLIE PARKER, Sax from Kansas EX- Swing
     • Most Bebop players were active Swing musicians
   • Not only BLACK
     • many integrated Bands
   • Sparks fierce debate

3. Decline of BIG BANDs

   • WWII -US enters WAR in 1942
     • Many band members sent to War
       • Recordings banned from 42 - 44 by Musicians Federation
         • VOCALISTS Popularised (Female)

4. Extension to `swing'