Sunday, December 30, 2007

1st anniversary for Swing, Jazz & Blues

It's time to celebrate. One year has passed since I started this blog. Time flies when you're having fun!

It's time to sum up what has happened. Here is a list with most popular posts.

Most popular posts:

  1. Interview with Cynthia Millman, co-author of the autobiography by Frankie Manning: Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop. The most important book in the swing dance world was finally ready.

  2. Christina Aguilera - Music video: Candy man. Christina Aguilera realeased an album inspired by the 1930's-1940's and this video clip from the song Candyman had many references to the swing era.

  3. Nikki Yanofsky sings Airmail Special like Ella Fitzgerald.

    The young singer Nikki Yanofsky knocked out everybody with her singing. I think she has a brilliant career ahead of her. Also don't miss the video clip where Nikki Yanofsky sings Evil Gal Blues.

  4. Interview with Ralph Giordano, author of Social Dancing in America

    I did an in-depth interview with Ralph Giordano who wrote two volumes about social dance in America. The best thing about the books are that they not just talk about the dance it self but also the social environment where dance dance was created.

    Part 1: How come you wrote a book about social dancing in America?
    Part 2: Which dances do you write about in the book?
    Part 3: Can you share some interesting facts about Lindy hop?
    Part 4: Do you include Balboa in the book?
    Part 5: Tell me about the next book you're writing: Satan in the dance hall
    Part 6: Contents of volume one 1607-1900

  5. Video clips and photographs

    Equally popular were the pages where I collect all the posts that have video clips and photographs. Both are visually very important to this blog.

    If you just recently discovered this blog, I really encourage you to look the archive. There are a lot of gems hiding there. Also check out 5 tips: how to get the most out of this blog

What was your personal favorite post the last year? Tell me.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers at Katalin

Emma Sannervik (bass). Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be used elsewhere without my permission.

Tonight the rhythm & blues band Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers will play at Katalin in Uppsala. You will hear good jumpin' music with great energy.

The band will play in the pub so there is no entrance fee (so buy a beer). They will start playing at 21.

If you check out the new poster for the band, you'll see one of my photos as the main photo.

The photo is taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

What do you think of Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers? Tell me.

Friday, December 28, 2007

Sassparilla: Sinners Welcome



Today I want to feature something off the beaten track that I discovered by accident a while ago: the six piece jug band Sassparilla from Portland, Oregon.

Above you'll see their performance at the Whole Earth Festival this summer where the played the song Sinners Welcome. The song is hard to classify but I would call it a swingin' gospel with blues influences. Great raw energy, just like a jug band should have!

The video clip with Sassparilla has not the best sound quality, a much better recording is available from their website. Listen to Sinners Welcome (MP3).

I would not mind playing this at swing dance, but since it's not your usual swing song, I would have to be careful to select what audience to play it for.

Do you think Sinners Welcome by Sassparilla is a song to swing dance to? Tell me.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Royal Garden Blues: Oscar Peterson & Count Basie

Just to honor Oscar Peterson, who died last week, I thought I'd post a video clip with Oscar Peterson playing Royal Garden Blues together with Count Basie.



Wow. Two of the greatest jazz pianists together at the same time. They recorded together at a few occations and one favorite album of mine is Satch & Josh. I really like the first song on the album: "Buns Blues" which is very playful.

Royal Garden Blues is such a great song, composed by Clarence Williams and
Spencer Williams in 1919. Spencer Williams also (co-?)wrote the song "Everybody loves my baby".

What do you think of Oscar Peterson & Count Basie playing Royal Garden Blues? Tell me.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

I remember Oscar

One of the greatest jazz pianists, Oscar Peterson, passed away Dec 23rd at age 82.

I will always remember him by his piano style which was light, airy and intricate. My favorite album by Oscar Peterson is Night Train.

Here is a news clip (CTV) talking about Oscar Peterson:



Read an obituary at CBC.

RIP, Oscar Peterson.

What are your memories of Oscar Peterson? Tell me.

Sunday, December 23, 2007

The best things happen while you're dancing

Here is a video clip with Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen dancing and singing the song "The best things happen while you're dancing" from the film White Christmas from 1954.



I'll take a short break for a couple of days during Christmas. In the mean time, why don't you tell me what your favorite blog post of this year has been or what you like to see next year.

I wish you a Merry Christmas!

What do you think of this video clip from White Christmas? Tell me.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Firehouse Five Plus Two plays Jingle Bells

Firehouse Five Plus Two plays a great dixieland jazz version of Jingle Bells in this video clip from the Disney tv show: One Hour in Wonderland from 1950.



"One Hour in Wonderland" is said to be the first tv program that the Disney studios produced.

The band Firehouse Five Plus Two consisted of animators from the studio: Danny Alguire, cornet, Harper Goff, banjo, Ward Kimball, trombone, Clarke Mallery, clarinet, Monte Mountjoy, drums, Ed Penner, tuba and Frank Thomas, piano.

(Yeah, I know, I broke an unwritten dj rule, that is, not to play the same song twice in a row, but sometimes you got to break the rules, especially when it's such a happy and joyful version.)

What do think of Firehouse Five Plus Two playing Jingle Bells? Tell me.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Ondrej Havelka sings Jingle Bells

If you want to get into the Christmas mood then watch this terrific video clip with Ondřej Havelka and His Melody Makers singing "Jingle Bells". There are lots of funny sequences. Enjoy.




If you missed Ondřej Havelka and His Melody Makers in my previous post where they performed Beat me, daddy eight to the bar, then watch it right away.

What do you think of Ondřej Havelka singing Jingle Bells? Tell me.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Diana Krall: Live in Paris: I Love Being Here With You

In this video clip from a live concert from Paris, Diana Krall swings like mad when she plays "I Love Being Here With You".



Wow. Feel the energy coming from Diana Krall and the band. The playing is so tight. I wish I could play piano like that.

Besides swinging like mad, I also like the more mellow part in the middle of the song where it's interesting to study (and enjoy) how the other players drops in some smalls notes to support the other musician who is doing the solo. It really takes a great deal of timing and musicality to do that right.

The Diana Krall concert from Paris is available on DVD.

What do you think of the video clip with Diana Krall playing "I Love Being Here With You" from her jazz concert in Paris? Tell me.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Engelbert Wrobel's Swing Society: "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone"

After last nights concert with Uppsala University Jazz Orchestra featuring Antti Sarpila I thought I would show you a clip where you can hear Antti Sarpila play clarinet (more about the UUJO concert later.)

Here is a video clip where Antti Sarpila plays the song "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" together with Engelbert Wrobel's Swing Society.



Find out more about Engelbert Wrobel's Swing Society.

What do you think about the video clip with Antti Sarpila playing "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone"? Tell me.

Monday, December 17, 2007

Swinging Christmas with Uppsala University Jazz Orchestra

Ulf Johansson Werre (piano) and Antti Sarpila (clarinet) played at a concert at Katalin with the Swedish Swing Society. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be used elsewhere without my permission.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) you can hear Uppsala University Jazz Orchestra at Missionskyrkan in Uppsala when they perform their show: Swinging Christmas.

Uppsala University Jazz Orchestra will perform swinging arrangements of American Christmas songs. They will also play the songs composed by band leader Ulf Johansson Werre.

The band will feature the great clarinet player Antti Sarpila. Antti Sarpila is the best clarinet player I know.

Where: Missionskyrkan, St. Olofsgatan, Uppsala. When: Tuesday Dec 18th at 19:30. Cost: 120 kr (80 kr for students).

The photo is taken by me at a concert with Swedish Swing Society and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

Are you going to the concert with swingin' Christmas songs performed by Uppsala University Jazz Orchestra (UUJO)? Tell me.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

The Mills Brothers sings "Opus One"

Here is The Mills Brothers singing a great version of the song "Opus One".



Hey everybody! I'm back with tips about things that swings! It's good to be back.

What do you think of this version of "Opus One" sung by The Mills Brothers? Tell me.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Computer crash

My computer at home has crashed (Arrrgh!) so I'll not be able to post here until I have a new computer.

In the mean time, take your time to browse through the archives, there are more than 300 posts with good stuff to enjoy.

You can also make suggestions about what you would like to to write about when I get back.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Hey Mr Jesse - Christmas songs

I have no superlatives left to describe the podcast "Hey, Mr Jesse" where Jesse Miner and Manu Swith talks about swing music, so I'll just say: Check it out!

Download the December edition. [42 MB, mp3]

This episode concludes the second year of monthly podcasts. Since it's December and holiday season they feature some swinging Christmas songs. One album they mention is Diana Krall's Christmas Songs. That cd has been on my wish list for quite some time. Another good Christmas album is Yule B Swingin.

Jesse & Manu also listed holiday swing songs last year in Hey Mr Jesse #12. Download.

They feature some of my comments about previous podcasts. They play Benny's Bugle from the band 4beat6 which they describe as

"Man! Smokin'! ... Foot stompin' music ... I just wanna dance."
I couldn't agree more. They also play a clip of Splanky performed by Count Basie at Montreux Jazz Festival 1977. Thank you guys for letting me be a part of the show.

There is so much more, see all the details in the show notes for Hey Mr Jesse #24.

I now realize that I didn't announce the November 2007 edition of Hey Mr Jesse. So if you missed it, download Hey Mr Jesse #23. Then you'll have two hours of swinging jazz music tips to enjoy!

What do you think of Hey Mr Jesse December edition? Tell me.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Benny Goodman theme at Cats Corner

Benny Goodman theme night at Cats Corner.

Tonight first time swing dj Per Wirback will make his debut at Cats Corner. His set will have a Benny Goodman theme. Also this night, you will hear swing dj David Kågedal.

Before the dance, there will be a taster lesson in lindy hop at 19, so if you'd like to try, get down there. The whole night costs 20 kr. How about that! The dance starts at 20 and ends 23.

The dance is run on voluntary basis, where small groups takes care of one or two evenings each semester. Every group could use additional persons, so if you'd like to be part of making Uppsala a really swingin town, talk with an organizer (or by all means, send me a mail and I'll forward it) and join us. Of course, you can band together with some friends and form a new group.

Lindy hop and balboa dancing at Cats Corner. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

I think it's fantastic to be able to have a weekly dance. Had you asked me two years ago, I would have said that it was just a dream. But thanks to many peoples efforts a weekly dance night is now a reality.

One thing that is great about the group system is that the night can be a much or little work as you make it. If you only have a dj that's ok, but you can also have theme nights like tonight. Last time Johan organized a Jack'n'Jill-competition and there have been balboa themes and beginner nights. It's all up to what you like to do.

The photo is taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

Do you have ideas about what could be done at Cats Corner? Tell me.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Ondrej Havelka - Beat me, daddy eight to the bar

Once in a while, you come across these absolutely fabulous video clips, this is one of them. The video clip is Ondrej Havelka and His Melody Makers playing "Beat me, daddy eight to the bar".




Ondřej Havelka and His Melody Makers is a band from the Czech Republic who like to play early jazz music. Besides being a musician and band leader, Ondřej Havelka is also an actor and director and you can tell that by the good cinematic quality of the video clip: the angles, the cutting and the acting.

The clip has such energy and humour that it's impossible not to be infatuated by it. Don't we all dream about being swept away to another time and place, where you can dance and enjoy yourself as much as you like and not having to care about a boring job?

Ondřej Havelka is multi-talented and is a good tap dancer, at least those half breaks looks really really good. To find out more about him, read this interview with Ondřej Havelka by Radio Prague.

In the video you can hear and see the vocal group The Swings.

A big thank you goes to band leader and trumpet player Peter Lind who told me about this clip after his concert on Saturday.

What do you think of this video clip with Ondrej Havelka and His Melody Makers playing "Beat me, daddy eight to the bar"? Do you find it as fantastic as I do? Tell me.

Sunday, December 2, 2007

Balboa history: Interview with Dwight Lupardus by Peter Loggins

All of you that are intrested in dancing balboa will like this interview with balboa dancer Dwight Lupardus who talks about the history of balboa in southern California. He talks about the dance itself, the dancers and the social context of the dance. He is interviewed by Peter Loggins, a noted swing dance historian.



The interview is about 1 hour long and is divided into 8 pieces on YouTube:


If you want to know more about dance history, check out dancehistory.org which is run by Peter Loggins.

I don't have the time right now to give a summary of what is talked about in each part but if you have the time, please comment this post and write a summary yourself.

What do you think of the interview with Dwight Lupardus about the history of balboa? Tell me.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Martha Raye - Mr. Paganini, You'll Have To Swing It

"Mr. Paganini, You'll Have To Swing It" is a song that is mostly associated with Ella Fitzgerald, but here is an hilarious rendition of that song by actress Martha Raye in a scene from the movie Four Jills in a Jeep (1944).



Watch Martha Raye's slap stick version of "Mr. Paganini, You'll Have To Swing It".

The band behind her is the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra.

You might recognize Martha Raye from when she sang "Watch the Birdie" in "Hellzapoppin'".

One unusual fact that I didn't know was that she inspired Anita O'day to be a singer.

What do you think of the video clip from with Four Jills in a Jeep with Martha Raye? Tell me.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Tickets for Uppsala Winter Swing released tomorrow

Peter Lind (trumpet). Peter Lind and the Cabaret Band. Good Evening Everybody at Parksnäckan. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Tickets for the big annual jazz festival in Uppsala, Uppsala Winter Swing, will be released at Uppsala Nya Tidning (UNT) tomorrow. UNT is located at Dragarbrunnsgatan 24 in Uppsala.

Peter Lind & The Cabaret Band will play between 10 and 12 tomorrow. In case you haven't heard them, you should definitly take the chance to see them. They are a very entertaining and swinging band.

I'll post more about Uppsala Winter Swing later on, with all the details about which jazz orchestras and artists that will perform at the jazz festival. Uppsala Winter Swing takes place on Jan 26th 2008.

You might want to read all the articles I've written about the jazz festival.

The photo is taken by me at their show Good Evening Everybody and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

Are you planning to attend Uppsala Winter Swing? Tell me.

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Pidgin: concert at Hijazz: Photos

Joakim Simonsson (piano). Pidgin at Hijazz. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
Last Saturday the jazz band Pidgin had a concert at Hijazz in Uppsala. The concert was arranged by Uppsala Jazz Club.

Fredrik Nordström (saxophone) and Pär-Ola Landin (bass). Pidgin at Hijazz. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Pidgin consists of Joakim Simonsson (piano), Pär-Ola Landin (bass), Thomas Opava (percussion), Daniel Olsson (drums) and Joakim Milder (saxophone). This time Joakim Milder was replaced by Fredrik Nordström.

Pidgin plays very soft and lyrical jazz. From my point of view I also sense a touch of Swedish folk music. Most songs were composed by Joakim Simonsson.

Thomas Opava (percussion). Pidgin at Hijazz. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

The photos are taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Daniel Olsson (drums). Pidgin at Hijazz. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Have you heard Pidgin? What do you think of them? Tell me.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Buddy Rich plays Well Git It at the Tonight Show

Well, Git It is one of the most infectious swing songs I know. Here is a video clip from the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson from Oct. 2, 1985 featuring drummer Buddy Rich playing Well, Git It.



If that doesn't get you snapping your fingers, nothing will.

I have to find out more about the individual musicians in this video: Doc Severinsen, Tommy Newsom, Snooky Young and also Buddy Rich himself. Do you have any tips on what I should hear or see?

What do you think about the video clip with Buddy Rich playing Well Git It? Tell me.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Biz & Art: Lindy hop at Cats Corner

Biz & Art #2. Copyright: Stewen Quigley.

Cats corner, Swingkattens weekly dance night, is featured in a new glossy magazine in Uppsala called Biz & Art. Whee!

I'm one of the persons that are interviewed and I think the article gives a good view of what Cats Corner and the swing dance scene in Uppsala is like. The article has bit and pieces about: lindy hop, balboa, Swingkatten and Herräng Dance Camp. The article hasn't got space to go in depth but it is a nice appetizer for those who are interested in dance.

Lindy hop pictures in Biz & Art #2. Copyright: Stewen Quigley.
The article got nice photos taken by Stewen Quigley at Q Image.

Issue nr 2 of Biz & Art has also got articles about belly dancing and flamenco. You can buy the magazine at Akademibokhandeln LundeQ at Forumgallerian.

Have you read the article in Biz & Art? What do you think of it? Tell me.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Splanky - Count Basie - Montreux Jazz Festival

Splanky played by Count Basie is one of the classic swing songs you should know of. Here is a excellent up-tempo version of Splanky by Count Basie at the Montreux Jazz Festival 1977.



Splanky is written by composer and arranger Neal Hefti.

Watch other classic swing songs like Corner Pocket with Count Basie and In the Mood with Glenn Miller.

What do yoy think of the video clip with Count Basie playing Splanky? Tell me.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers: Music video shoot

Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers. Music video shoot at Grand. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Last Sunday Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers shot a music video at Grand. Along with the band there were a lot of dancers from Swingkatten dressed up in the style of the 1940's and 1950's.

Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers is a rhythm & blues band from Uppsala that also plays jump blues. They are collecting material for their second album that hopefully will be out sometime next year.

Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers will play tonight at Pub 19 in Uppsala at 21 o'clock. If you have the opportunity, you should see them.

The photo is taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

Have you seen or heard Sweet Emma & The Mood Swingers before? What do you think of them? Tell me.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thank you all readers of Swing, Jazz and Blues!

Since it's Thanksgiving in USA today, I thought it might be appropriate to celebrate the day, even though I'm living in Sweden.

Honestly, I wasn't sure, when I started this blog, how long it would last. But now after having done more than 300 posts, I'm pretty sure it will be here for a while.

I've learned so much about swing, jazz and blues that I didn't know in the beginning of the year. I've seen and heard so many amazing jazz and blues musicians. Thank you for sharing your music. I'm truly grateful for being able to experience so many great jazz concerts. Thank you UJC.

I'm thankful for all the people who are reading the blog, about 1000 people are regular readers. Please don't be shy, I would love more comments and I also would like to get to know you better.

At last, I would like to thank all the great people I meet every day.

I hope you have a great Thanksgiving and I hope you like what this blog has become. Thank you!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

The St James Infirmary Blues - Animation

The song "The St James Infirmary Blues" sung and played by Louis Armstrong has been turned into an animation by Dhar Jabouri. Watch the video clip with "The St James Infirmary Blues".



The version of St James Infirmary Blues in this animation might be from Louis Armstrong's recording in 1928, but I'm not sure. If you know, please tell me.

One guy that should know is Rob Walker, who has collected a lot of material about the song. Take a look at Rob Walker's blog about St James Infirmary Blues.

What do you think of the video clip? Tell me.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Monica Borrfors sings Monica Zetterlund

Monica Borrfors and Gösta Nilsson at Hijazz. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
On Saturday Monica Borrfors and The Gösta Nilsson Trio played at a concert at Hijazz in Uppsala. The concert was arranged by Uppsala Jazz Club.

The concert was a tribute to the late jazz singer Monica Zetterlund who would have been 70 years old this year, if she hadn't died in an accident a couple of years ago. Monica Borrfors told about her life and career and sung the songs that made Monica Zetterlund famous.

Monica Borrfors has an exellent voice that is very warm, it was a pleasure to hear her sing songs like "Sakta vi går genom stan" (Walking my baby back home). In fact, one of the things that made Monica Zetterlund special was that she sang the jazz standards with Swedish lyrics, the songs gets a slightly different meaning and adds something new. Very refreshing.

Jesper Kviberg (drums) and Palle Sollinger (bass) at Hijazz. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

I particulary liked "Du måste ta det kallt" (Stockholm Sweetnin´, Music: Quincy Jones; Lyrics: Peter Himmelstrand) and "En Slump" (Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, Music: Richard Rogers and lyrics by Tage Danielsson).

Monica Borrfors is backed up by a great band: The Gösta Nilsson Trio which consists of:
Gösta Nilsson (piano), Filip Augustsson (bass) and Jesper Kviberg (drums). At this concert Filip Augustsson was replaced by Palle Sollinger.

If you want to hear the music, Monica Borrfors has made a cd with the songs from the show.

The photos are taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Were you at the concert with Monica Borrfors and The Gösta Nilsson? What did you think of the jazz concert? Tell me.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Youth Jazz Contest in Uppsala 2007: Photos

Johan Chistoffersson (saxophone), Johan Chistoffersson 4 at Youth Jazz Contest 2007. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
The Youth Jazz Contest in took place yesterday at Reginateatern in Uppsala. Young jazz musicians competed with their music. There were six groups who performed 2 songs each:

  • Trio From Hell
  • Yenny Alpsten Duo
  • Jazzseptetten B13
  • Johan Christoffersson 4
  • Henrik & Anton Duo
  • Future Sound Of Sweden

Petter Olofsson (bass), Johan Chistoffersson 4 at Youth Jazz Contest 2007. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

The winners of Youth Jazz Contest 2007 was Johan Christoffersson 4 which consists of Johan Christoffersson (saxophone), Filip Ekestubbe (piano), Petter Olofsson (bass) and Sebastian Ågren (drums).

I think the jury made the right choice because these guys were clearly the best group when it comes to musicianship and ensamble play. I really liked the way the bass player and drummer interacted, they were in the pocket and kept it swinging. Johan Christoffersson had the the best sound of all saxophone players. I'm looking forward to hearing them in the spring.

The winners played bop jazz but there were all kinds of jazz styles represented there, but unfortunatly no real swing music. Jazzseptetten B13 played the most swinging music which I liked. I also enjoyed the soft jazz with Henrik & Anton Duo, particulary the trumpet playing by Henrik Grim. Henrik won the jury's price for best individual performance.

Sebastian Ågren (drums), Johan Chistoffersson 4 at Youth Jazz Contest 2007. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
Future Sound Of Sweden play jazz with a lot of influences from funk. They took third place. If there had been a price for entusiasm it should have been awarded to them too.

Second place was awarded to Yenny Alpsten Duo which played free jazz. I enjoy most forms of music, but free jazz is not one of them. I can't find anything in it that I appreciate. It must have a pulse, a rhythm or a melody. Free jazz, by definition, has none of that. If you are a fan of free jazz, would you please comment and tell me what attracts you to the music, I really like to know.

I missed the women in this competition, of all the contestant there were not a single one. Why is that? I hope there are young women playing jazz somewhere, even though they weren't in this competition.

Henrik Grim (trumpet) at Youth Jazz Contest 2007. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Footnote:
The jury was instructed to rank the contestants with the following things in mind:
  1. Group feeling/ ensemble play between the band members
  2. Individual proficiency at their instruments
  3. Feeling for the particular style of jazz they've chosen to play
  4. Additional factors to consider: Joy of playing and originality in choice of music and arrangements

The photos are taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Were you at Youth Jazz Contest 2007? What do you think of it? Which group was your favorite? Tell me.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Youth Jazz Contest 2007

Johanna Grim (trombone) and Henrik Grim (trumpet) at Youth Jazz Contest 2006. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Tonight it's time for Youth Jazz Contest 2007 in Uppsala at Reginateatern where young jazz musicians compete. You might spot the jazz stars of tomorrow there. The concert/competition is FREE.

The event starts at 19 o'clock and is arranged by Uppsala Jazz Club. The winner gets to play at either Katalin or Uppsala Konsert & Kongress in the spring.

In the photo you can see Johanna Grim and Henrik Grim who competed in last years Youth Jazz Contest. The photo is taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

Are you going to the Youth Jazz Contest? Tell me.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Play swing music for the best dancers

On Tuesday I dj:ed a set at Cats Corner and I felt it went successfully. Swing dancer Peter Loggins told me earlier this year: "Dj for the best dancers". He meant that if you play swing music that satisfies the best dancers and makes them happy, that kind of music will benefit all of the dancers in the dance scene. On Tuesday I looked out over the dance floor and some of the best dancers seemed inspired so I guess I did a pretty good job.

So, what kind of music did I play?

I was happy to play a couple of songs by the swing band 4beat6 from the Netherlands. I was happy to for the first time introduce the crowd to swing songs sung by Nikki Yanofsky: "Betcha Nickel" and "Lullaby Of Birdland", which she recorded last year when she was 12! Amazing! I can't wait to hear more songs from Nikki Yanofsky.

I featured some songs from the vocalese group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross: "A Mellow Tone" and "Twist City" from the great album "The Hottest New Group In Jazz".


It was good to hear the new swing dj, Dietmar, dj for his first time. It's always refreshing to hear someone else's music selections.

When the set (and the swing night) was over I played one song just to amuse the crowd that was still there: "Pussy, Pussy, Pussy" by the Hot Club of Cowtown from a live album called Continental Stomp.

Were you at Cats Corner on Tuesday? What do you think of my music choices? Tell me.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Cats Corner: Hear new swing music and swing djs

Tonight I will dj at Cats Corner in the end of the evening. Also, a new swing dj will make his debut: Dj Dietmar. It'll be intresting to see what kind of swing tunes he will play. In the beginning of the evening Jonas Pettersson will dj, so you have the opportunity to hear three different styles during the night.

I have collected some new swing music that I'm excited to play. Come and listen and dance!

Would you like to dj at Cats Corner? Tell me and we'll work something out.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Big Band Explosion & Louise Hoffsten & Vocation

Ulf Johansson Werre (trombone, piano, composer, band leader) with Big Band Explosion at Great Jazz Party at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

The name of the concert says it all: Great Jazz Party. What else could you call a evening with top notch jazz musicians in an 17 piece band. Band leader Ulf Johansson Werre has put together a superb orchestra. Providing the base for swinging madly is the rhythm section with Ulf Johansson Werre himself on piano, Andreas Pettersson on guitar, Tommy Johnson on bass and Mats Engström on drums. Mats had also arranged many of the songs they played.

There were many great solos, I particularly liked the solos by Karl Olandersson and Ulf Andersson. I liked the song "I found a new baby" which was played by a small group consisting of Ulf Johansson Werre, Mats Engström and Klas Toresson (saxophone).


Louise Hoffsten at Great Jazz Party at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

It was great to hear singer Louise Hoffsten, who can both sing in smooth and a raw style. An old favorite song sung by her was "Seduction of Sweet Louise" and she also sang a really good song from her coming album: "Så speciell" (So special).

Last but not least there was a vocal group called Vocation. I really liked their version of "It dont mean a thing (if it ain't got that swing)"

The photos are taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Where you at the concert with Ulf Johansson Werre Big Band Explosion at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress? What did you think of the evening? Tell me.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Duke Ellington: It Don't Mean A Thing

A classic swing tune: It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) performed by Duke Ellington.



Do you have more information about this video clip, like where it's from and who the the soloists are? Let me know.

What do you think of the video clip with Duke Ellington playing It Don't Mean A Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)? Tell me.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Great Jazz Party at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress

Ulf Johansson Werre (piano, trombone, composer, band leader). Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

One of the largest jazz concerts of the autumn here in Uppsala will take place on Saturday Nov 10th, it's properly named Great Jazz Party.

Great Jazz Party is the work of Ulf Johansson Werre where he handpicks the greatest jazz musicians in Sweden to form an 17 piece orchestra called "Ulf Johansson Werre Big Band Explosion".

This is the 7th year that Great Jazz Party is performed, earlier years there have been a theme to the concert but now there is no theme which gives Ulf Johansson Werre more artistic freedom for the concert.

Karl Olandersson, trumpet player. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be used elsewhere without my permission.

Big Band Explosion consists of:


Also performing together with the band is the excellent blues singer Louise Hoffsten (who is also a great harmonica player) and the vocal group Vocation.

Louise Hoffsten. Promotion picture

I hear that the concert is sold out, but if you're lucky you might find a ticket.

The photos are taken by me (with the exception of the photo of Louise Hoffsten) and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Are you going to Great Jazz Party at Uppsala Konsert & Kongress? What are your expectations? Tell me.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Patrik Öhrström djs swing at Cats Corner

Swing dancing at Uplands nation in Uppsala. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.

Tonight, Patrik Öhrström from Stockholm is djing swing music at Cats Corner. Patrik last dj:ed here in Uppsala in the spring. It's great to hear a wide variety different dj:s.

Cats Corner is located at Uplands nation at St. Larsg. 11. Time 20-23. 20 kr.

The photo is taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license it.

Monday, November 5, 2007

Count Basie duet with Cleveland Eaton: Booty's Blues

You can't have enough of Count Basie and that is certainly true when he plays together with the bassist Cleveland Eaton. Enjoy this fantastic duet between them: soft and playful. In the duet it looks like Cleveland Eaton accidentally slips but Basie use that mistake and adds a chord and makes it look like it was supposed to be like that from the beginning. What great musicians!

Then the whole band kicks in and Booty Wood plays a great trombone solo. Have a look at Count Basie and Cleveland Eaton playing Booty's Blues. Recorded at a Carnegie Hall Concert in March 20, 1981.



What do you think of the duet with Count Basie and Cleveland Eaton playing Booty's Blues? Tell me.

Saturday, November 3, 2007

Rockin' in the Rockies: Cappa Barra Boys



Here is a video clip from the Three Stooges film Rockin' in the Rockies (1945) where the Cappa Barra Boys, a harmonica quartet, play a medley of jazz songs including "One O'clock Jump" and "Royal Garden Blues".

What do you think of the Cappa Barra Boys? Tell me.

Friday, November 2, 2007

King Teddy from Washington, DC

King Teddy logo. Copyright: King Teddy.
Earlier this autumn a band called King Teddy from the Washington, DC area mailed me and wanted me to check them out. You can listen to them at their MySpace page or download the songs.

King Teddy plays jump blues in a way that reminds me of the style that a lot of the neoswing bands had in the late 1990's. I'm thinking of bands like Indigo Swing, Jet Set Six and The Love Dogs.

Judging from the songs that are available, I would have liked more songs with a more "raw" feeling, the songs are a little too sweet for my personal taste. But hey, thats just me. Maybe they play other songs that are "rawer"? I liked the song "Phantom of Main and Ordinary Street".

What do you think of King Teddy? Tell me.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

4beat6 plays Benny Goodman songs

4beat6 promotion picture. Copyright: 4beat6.

I just discovered the swing band 4beat6 from the Netherlands which plays swing in the style of the Benny Goodman sextet.

I think they play really tight: Listen to these songs from their site (mp3)


4beat6 consists of Jacco Griekspoor (vibraphone), Martien Oster (guitar), Joop van Deuren (piano), Frans van Geest (bass), Barry Olthof (drums) and David Lukacs on clarinet.

What do you think of 4beat6 playing Benny Goodman songs? Tell me.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Måndagsgruppen at Grönvallsalen: Photos

Mikael Jansson (song). Måndagsgruppen at Grönvallsalen. Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
Yesterday Måndagsgruppen played at Grönvallsalen. They played swing, bebop and mainstream jazz, just as adverticed. They played the swinging "Don't get around much anymore" and on the bebop side the played a couple of songs of the brothers Nat Adderley and Cannonball Adderley.

Måndagsgruppen consists of Bosse Broberg (trumpet), Sture Lundén (trombone), Ulf Lindsjö and Lars-Olof Naessén (saxophone), Håkan Hedstrand (piano), Curt Andersson (bass), Richard Johnsson (drums) and Mikael Jansson (song).

Curt Andersson (bass). Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
Måndagsgruppen translates into "The Monday group" because they practise on Mondays. I wish they had had a little more imagination when coming up with a band name.

The concert experience usually become even better when you share it with someone and this time I couldn't have asked for a better company.

The photos are taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Did you attend the jazz concert at Grönvallsalen? What do you think of Måndagsgruppen? Tell me.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Jazz at Grönvallsalen

Bosse Broberg (trumpet). Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
Today the jazz group Måndagsgruppen will play swing, bebop and mainstream jazz at Grönvallsalen at entrance 70 at Akademiska sjukhuset (the university hospital) at 17:00. Free!

Måndagsgruppen consists of Bosse Broberg (trumpet), Sture Lundén (trombone), Ulf Lindsjö and Lars-Olof Naessén (saxophone), Håkan Hedstrand (piano), Curt Andersson (bass), Richard Johnsson (drums) and Mikael Jansson (song).

Ulf Lindsjö (saxophone). Copyright: Henrik Eriksson. The photo may not be published elsewhere without written permission.
The photos are taken by me and may not be published elsewhere without my permission. Contact me if you want to license them.

Have you heard them before? What do you think of them? Tell me.

Monday, October 29, 2007

"Dig You Later (A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba)"

Here is video clip from the film Doll Face from 1946 where Perry Como and Martha Stewart sings "Dig You Later (A Hubba-Hubba-Hubba)". Hubba-hubba is an American slang expression that is used to express approval, pleasure, or excitement. The song contains a lot of jive talking and slang expressions.

You will also notice that the film is made very close after the World War 2 and in the beginning of clip they mention the bombing of Japan in a way that maybe is not particulary political correct nowadays. So with this fair warning, take a look at the video clip.




What do you think of the video clip? Tell me.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Nagasaki - Jeeves & Wooster

Here's a scene from the British tv comedy series "Jeeves & Wooster" where Bertie sings the jazz song Nagasaki written in 1928 by Harry Warren and Mort Dixon.


The clip is from episode 5 called "Hot Off the Press" from season 3.

What do you think about Hugh Laurie singing Nagasaki from Jeeves & Wooster? Is it extremely invigorating as Jeeves puts it? Tell me.