I consider myself, as most do, a fan of music. There is a
common thread of taking things for granted in our society. A well
bread lack of appreciation if you will. Bare with me, I'll get to my
point eventually. I am talking about the new rise in popularity of
swing music. For those of you who knew about the music and liked it
before this big fad happened I ask you to disregard the following.
"Now you sailors know where your women come for love...,"
belts out the lead singer for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, a new and
popular swing band. A little known fact is that the song, "Zuit Suit
Riot," is actually based on an event in history when rioting occurred
between the Hispanic Americans and military personnel during the world war two
era.
This is what many people consider "swing," music. But they fail to
look past the music of such bands as the Brian Setzer Orchestra, or
any of the other fad bands out there. Now don't get me wrong, I
like those bands as much as the next guy, but many never stop to think
where the roots of this musical explosion came from.
For instance, Louis Armstrong wasn't just the guy who sang the
zippidie-do-dah song. He was a masterful musician who filled his every
note with the simple passions of life. Billie Holiday wasn't some
popular black jazz singer; she was Lady Day, a soulful and moving talent,
who could fill a life time of sorrow into one line of a sad song. Such
famous musicians as Bennie Goodman, Cab Calloway, Etta James, Ella
Fitzgerald, and many more poured their spirits into their music and
are not recognized for their contributions to the history of modern
music. They knew how to "jump, jive, and wail."
Their music reflected a time in our nations history when every
one was doing the best with what they had. It was during a point when
the nation was torn by conflict, both foreign and domestic, and
minorities where deprived of their basic human rights. This music
should mean more to you then a retro fad! Swing is a part of our
heritage, world round. Swing should be appreciated and respected for
what it is and where it came from.
What do you think? Leave your feedback below.
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Name:Michael Sos Major: Art Comments:
I have been listening to Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and many of the other old swing kings for years. I have to disagree with the skepticism of the new fad. I think it is great. Tommorow everyone will forget about the new swing and the diehard listeners are left with alot of new fresh music.
Michael Sos
Name: Anon 2 Comments:
yea, I am sick of the faddish element of modern music too. There is not any long term music or anything else happening culturally. We are truly living in a post modern age. Get in, hold on, and watch your ass.
Name: Anonymous Comments:
You know, when any fad comes out, the people involved with the fad from "day 1" always piss and moan about how it was "always there," and how the public just wasn't aware that it has been going on for years. This is true with every fad. I just saw an MTV bit on breakdancing. They said the same thing. "We were always here." That's cool, and I appreciate that people get passionate about some things. Still though, please remember that fads are exactly that: fads. In a few months, everyone will have forgotten about the "Squirrel Nut Zippers," the "Cherry Poppin' Daddies," and the rest of them. If you know that now, it'll save you a lot of grief when the new fad rolls around. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must go practice for the "Macarena" Contest.
