How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records

Book review

One of the best books if you want to read about how to learn to dj is 'How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records' by Frank Broughton and Bill Brewster.

They cover almost every aspect of what it takes to be a disc jockey, from technical aspects (which button to push) to how to read a dance crowd, building a collection, getting into the dj business and how to be a great dj.

The book has a lot of dry British humour. I love that. When the book was first published in Great Britain its name was 'How to DJ (properly): The Art and Science of Playing Records' but I'll guess that proper English wasn't right in USA.

You can find the British version of the book at the city library in Uppsala.

Have you read the book? What do you think of it? Tell me.

Dj Gunnar at Dekadans tonight

Dj Gunnar from Stockholm will dj swing music at Dekadans tonight. Go there and dance!

Västgöta nation, 20-23, 20 kr.

Christina Aguilera - Candy man

Christina Aguilera has released a new album Back to basics where she is influenced by the music and fashion of the 1920s-40s. This can be seen in her video "Candy man", which seems to be set in WW2 times. It has several popular culture references to that time, Christina Aguilera does a 'We can do it' pose in the end of the video.




This is probably what Andrews sisters would do if they were alive today. In WW2 artists made what was called V-discs and they were sent overseas to boost the soldiers spirit. Candy man has some similarities with the song Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy which Andrews sisters made famous.

In the video you see some swing dancing (well, mostly aerials) with Christina Aguilera and Benji Schwimmer (who won season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance). I like the video because it has high energy and nice fashion.

Now, this is hardly straight swing, more like pop-styled boogie woogie, so I'm presenting this as a novelty item, I'll be back with regular swing tomorrow.

Via Yehoodi.

What do you think of Candy man with Christina Aguilera? Tell me.

Sidney Bechet: Sweet Georgia Brown

Here is a smokin' hot version of Sweet Georgia Brown by Sidney Bechet from Cannes Jazz Festival 1958. The unusual thing about this video clip is that trumpet player Roy Eldridge plays the drums. Enjoy eight minutes of hot jazz!



This video clip introduced me to new (to me) musicians: Teddy Buckner (trumpet), Vic Dickenson (trombone), Sammy Price (piano) and Arvell Shaw (bass). I have to find out more about them.

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

Nkiru concert at Katalin: Photos

The jazz band Nkiru played at a concert yesterday at Katalin and all that jazz.

The concert was arranged by Uppsala Jazz Club.

The band played melodies by John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Don Cherry, Cole Porter and Ornette Coleman.

They also played one of their own compositions.



Band members: Andreas Larsson (drums), Niklas Fernqvist (bass), Jakob Gustavsson (saxophone) and Alexander Zethson (piano).

The photos are taken by me and may not be used elsewhere without my permission.

Where you at the concert? What did you think of it? Tell me.

10 reasons to visit the library

At the city library in Uppsala you can borrow 10 cds at a time. This gives you plenty of opportunities to check out music you are interested in. Be curious and test all kinds of music.

Here are some cds and books I have found at the library.

Have you found good music at the library? Tell me.

Benny Goodman playing Roll Em from The Powers Girl

Here is a video clip with Benny Goodman playing "Roll 'Em" from the movie The Powers Girl and also some high energy dancing.

Here you really can talk about dancing in the rain! When the music is this good, you simply got to dance, no matter what.

This reminds me that I got to play Roll ´Em the next time I dj. What a great swinging tune. Yeah!

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