Answer the questions below and the discussion.
1. What did Benny Goodman do after his “Let’s Dance” show was cancelled and how did this lead to his being “crowned” the “King of Swing”?
2. What was the date of the repeal of alcohol prohibition and what did that have to do with the increase in the need for swing bands?
3. What and where was “The Savoy”?
4. Besides great music what was the significance of Benny Goodman’s small groups?
5. What other band leaders were mentioned in the “Other Popular Big Bands” section?
6. In the “Battle of the Bands” article what bands were involved and who “won”?
7. Who was Count Basie? What makes his style different?
8. Describe Coleman Hawkins’ sound and his method of approaching improvisation.
9. Describe Lester Young’s sound and his method of approaching improvisation.
10. What were the reasons given for the demise of the swing era?
On our Pandora discussion I had you listen to several artists, choose one, create a channel and list/review the songs chosen. On this assignment I want you to explore some swing artists and write us a short biography on one of them.
In the reading I presented quite a few videos of different swing artists. I want you to choose one of them to create your Pandora “channel”. Listen to this channel for at least four songs (list the first four even if you listen to more). I want you to choose ONE of the different artists that Pandora provides and write a short biography on him/her. THIS MUST BE AN ARTIST THAT WAS NOT PRESENTED TO US IN THE READING. (One mentioned in passing would be OK. Like Mary Lou Williams or Frank Sinatra etc.) When and where were they born? What instrument? Claim to fame? Etc. Make sure you tell us the song you heard and what made you pick it. http://www.swingmusic.net/Big_Band_Era_Recording_Ban_Of_1942.html
http://www.swingmusic.net/Swing_Music_Chick_Webb_Cuts_Count_Basie.html
Your original post should be at least 100 words. You must respond substantively to at least TWO of your classmate’s posts. Just crank up the music and have some fun. I understand “IHeart Radio” has a very similar program to Pandora’s. That would be OK too. Just make sure it is one in which you supply one artist and it gives you similar artists that it thinks you would enjoy. Happy exploring.
