The Story of Swing CD - Various Artists - Déjà Vu (1990)
The Story of Swing CD - Various Artists - Déjà Vu (1990)
The Story of Swing chronicles the golden age of swing music through a carefully curated compilation featuring legendary bandleaders and orchestras that defined the era. Released in 1990 by Déjà Vu (catalogue number DVRECD 53), this essential collection captures the infectious rhythms, sophisticated arrangements, and irresistible energy that made swing the dominant popular music of the 1930s and 1940s.
This compilation brings together iconic performances from the architects of the swing era: Glenn Miller's smooth, danceable arrangements that made him the most commercially successful bandleader of his time, Benny Goodman's clarinet virtuosity that earned him the title "King of Swing," Duke Ellington's sophisticated compositions that elevated jazz to an art form, Tommy Dorsey's lyrical trombone and impeccable band leadership, and Count Basie's blues-infused Kansas City swing that influenced generations of musicians.
The swing era represented a unique moment in American cultural history when jazz became the popular music of the masses, filling dance halls and dominating radio airwaves. This collection serves as both an excellent introduction to the period and an essential reference for understanding how these legendary bandleaders shaped American popular music. Each track demonstrates the technical excellence, rhythmic vitality, and emotional appeal that made swing music a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate listeners decades later.
Album Specifications:
- Format: Audio CD in jewel case
- Artist: Various Artists
- Label: Déjà Vu
- Catalog Number: DVRECD 53
- Release Year: 1990
- Genre: Swing / Jazz
- Featured Artists: Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie
- Era Covered: 1930s-1940s Swing Era
- Weight: 127g (4.48 oz)
- Barcode: 5020213053025
This definitive compilation celebrates the swing era's greatest bandleaders, preserving the performances that defined a generation and established the foundation for modern popular music.