ABOUT OUR SWING IMPROV FALL SERIES:

Check out my Fall Series Listening Playlist!

September: I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself A Letter
September 12, 19, 26

Key: G
Music by Fred E. Ahlert, Lyrics by Joe Young

WORKOUT SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Johnny Gimble Solo
• Swing Bowing
• Western Swing note choice
• How to incorporate the melody in your solo

If you’ve ever heard The Western Flyers Record “Wild Blue Yonder,” then you’ve heard me play and sing this tune. I believe it’s been my most popular transcribed solo that I’ve heard fiddlers in the wild play.

This 1935 classic pop song was considered one of the hits from the Harlem Renaissance in New York City. It has been recorded countless times by artists such as Fats Waller, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Sarah Vaughn. And it’s timelessness is displayed in recordings by Madeleine Peyroux, The Western Flyers, and Paul McCartney.

October: At Sundown (When Love is Calling Me Home)
October 3, 10, 17

Key: C
Written by Walter Donaldson

WORKOUT SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Medium swing bowing styles
• How to swing a melody
• How to add “hits”
• How to add fiddles
• 2m – 5 – 1 chord progression
• How to use chord tones to create melodies
• A twin fiddle part, too!

This song will be the perfect jam session gem. It has all the ideal elements to bring to a group of musicians: a beautiful melody, a simple chord progression, and a medium/comfortable swing.

I love the Doris Day version of this fox-trot-style 1927 composition. Listen to how the horns outline this swingin’ melody with hits, fills, and rhythmic variations.

We’ll do just this in our class! We’ll swing the melody, add hits, use fills, and use your bow to swing. Get ready to SWING!

November: Exactly Like You
November 7, 14, 21

Key: C
Music by Jimmy McHugh, Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

WORKOUT SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Neighboring tones
• How to use thirds to swing
• Medium swing bows
• The 3-5-b7-9 swing lick

In the theme of great tunes to take to a swing jam, Exactly Like You is EXACTLY that! I call it at almost every swing jam I play in. It’s a common tune that all experienced swing players can play without looking at a chart, so it’s great to call as one that everyone knows!

It is a popular song composed in 1930, with music written by Jimmy McHugh and lyrics by Dorothy Fields. It has become a canon in the library of swing tunes. This chord progression is one that EVERY swing player knows. And now, you’re going to know it, too.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION NOTICE: Monthly passes have a limit of 1 per order, and can only be applied to the nearest upcoming month at the time of purchase. To make sure you are registered for the class of your choice, please register by 11:59 PM MT the night before the first class. If you purchase after this deadline, you will automatically be signed up for the following month.