What is so interesting about dances from 1961?

The last couple of days many people have arrived at my blog while searching for "dances from 1961" or "dance of 1961".

It can't be a coincidence, something is happening, but I don't know what, do you? Tell me.

Most people found the list of dances included in the book Social Dancing in America: A History and Reference Volume 2 Lindy Hop to Hip Hop, 1901-2000 that I listed here in the interview with author Ralph G. Giordano.

Is it a new tv series that has started or are people really interested in dances like The Fish, The Pachanga, The Watusi or The Twist?

Tell me what's going on.

Dat Dere - Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers

A couple of days ago I mentioned the song Dat Dere by Bobby Timmons. I started looking for versions of that song and found this video clip of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers performing Dat Dere in 1961.



I don't usually listen to bop jazz very much but when it has such a great swinging rhythm section like in this video clip, it's a joy. I love the piano solo. I have to start looking into the music of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers to see if I can find more stuff like this. Got any suggestions?

What do you think of Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers playing Dat Dere? Does it appeal to you hard core swing music fans as well? Tell me.

Ella Fitzgerald: Lady Be Good & Mack the Knife

In this video clip from 1961 Ella Fitzgerald sings something you don't hear every day: a ballad version of Lady Be Good. In fact all versions I've heard up 'til now has been uptempo. Very nice and sweet, sometimes strings can be too sweet but once in a while it's ok.

Ella Fitzgerald continues with Mack the Knife and picks up the pace. Now it's really swinging! I dig the piano playing (does anyone know who plays?)



What do you think of Ella Fitzgerald singing Lady Be Good and Mack the Knife? Tell me.

Louis Armstrong - Paris Blues - Jam Session

Do you want high energy swing music? Well, here you go! Here is a great video clip from the movie Paris Blues with Louis Armstrong.

Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier plays musicians playing in a jazz club when Louis Armstrong and his band comes crashing in (that's how you make a entrance!) and challenge each of them in a jam session.



In beginning of this video clip there is some swing dancing. I just love the energy of the music and I love the joy they express. It truly shows what swing music is all about.

Paris Blues was released in 1961.

What do you think of this video clip from Paris Blues with Louis Armstrong. Tell me.