Swing feel
First please listen to a clear example of the so called ‘swing’ feel. Here are The Andrew Sisters singing Glen Miller’s “In the mood”.
I admit, these aren’t the most poetic lyrics around :) But this song is a perfect vehicle to demonstrate the swing feel. Sure, in a way even the quarter notes in swing aren’t precisely on the beat – but even professionals can’t fully describe what that is.
In eight notes swing is much easier to demonstrate. The rest is simply listening to swing music to get a feel for it. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra albums with big bands are perfect examples.
Is jazz defined by the swing feel? Is it a must?
Yes and no. Yes, it’s probably one of the most distinguished features. No, in modern jazz it isn’t always used.
But even Bossa Novas, waltzes and ballads in jazz (often) have a bit of swing about them.
The amount of ‘swing’ you add/apply to your timing is personal. It’s like the amount of effect you can give a bowling ball. Some singers have a ‘heavy’ swing feel, some very light. And you can vary the amount as well. To your taste!
Finger snap
Slow swing
Medium swing
Up swing
Demonstration
Lasty, here’s a fine demonstration of the swing timing. And a nice introduction to the ‘scat language’. The sounds you use when improvising. The shoo-be-doos and such.
If you listen carefully, you can even hear tiny differences in the amount of swing feel between Ella Fitzgerald, Caterina Valente and Perry Como who later joins them with a very relaxed swing feel.
You’ll even hear part of the melody of “In the mood” being used!
