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Showing results for tags 'dance music'.
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Traditional dance music isn't my primary genre but I have really enjoyed the times I played for a contra or ceilidh dance. Mosty my hot club jazz swing group is hired to perform for swing dances. Like the more traditional dances, we have a vast selection of music from which to choose from within our genre. I also have arranged a couple of traditional pieces to swing and improvise. Recently I got into a great discussion about dance tempos vs performance tempos. When playing for a swing dance, you have to really be careful not to play too fast or frenetic for dancers whose dance chops may not be up to speed. It is up to the rhythm player(s) to maintain the proper tempo and make a needed adjustment. At any point the lead of a tune may turn to the rhythm and give a nod to slow or speed the tempo. Good communication is key for sure. And when the rhythm guitars aren't together it is a real mess. I guess it is pretty much the same in a contra and ceilidh. When performing or playing in a session, tempos tend to be more uptempo. Usually at a speed that really isn't made for dance...or so I thought. At a recent acoustic trad session, we played a tune at "dance speed" and I was amazed at how fast we played it. It was challenging fun for me. Just saying...
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My experience with playing more traditional genres of music is primarily in sessions at pubs or in the homes of musical mates. I really never played for contra or ceilidh and the such though I thoroughly enjoy them and the music. When my swing group, DC Ambiance, performs at a festival, restaurant or pub it's not unusual to have a couple here and there get up and swing dance to our music. But performing or jamming is very different than actually playing for a swing dance. Styles of dance (Lindy hop, jitterbug, west or east coast swing, Balboa etc.) require specific styles of music and tempos. For the dancers there are some set dance moves and styles but their choreography is just as creative and individual as the musician playing a solo. Our group has recently been booked to play more of these dances. It is a fun challenge to come up with ever increasing ways to to keep pace with the dancers. Just saying...