The importance of "Swing" and competition

Hear the difference between music that swings OK, and music that realLLLLy swings: Benny Goodman vs. Chick Webb.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7yGiTxAyRQ&feature=related

We swing too. Hope we don't kind of swing, but REEALLY Swing!

I'm thinking about the history of competition in African-based music as our guys, Aki and Tip of the Top, come back from Memphis. What a great experience. I know that I felt their swing immediately when I got to play with them at the harmonica masterclass. It really carries a player of any sort, harmonica or using the body as an instrument, and makes playing effortless. It's something to work on that we can give to other players we're playing with, because it is definitely infectious!

P.S. That's my Lindy Hop teacher, Frankie Manning. Passed away at the age of 94 over a year ago. He was still dancing and teaching up until a month before he passed away. He is dearly loved and missed by all of his students.