Definition

Noun: A style of jazz that was popular in the 1930s and 1940s, characterized by a strong, propulsive rhythm suitable for dancing, typically performed by big bands. It emphasizes a smooth, flowing feel and rhythmic "swing" where the beat is subdivided unevenly, creating a sense of momentum. It is generally less harmonically complex than later jazz styles like bebop.

Usage

"Swing music" refers specifically to the musical genre and era. * The dance hall was filled with the sound of swing music. * He collects vintage records, specializing in swing music from the 1940s. * Swing music evolved from earlier jazz forms and paved the way for modern big band arrangements.

Advanced Usage

• "the swing era": The historical period (roughly 1935-1946) when swing music was the most popular style in the United States.
  • Benny Goodman was known as the "King of Swing" during the swing era.
• "to swing" (verb): In a jazz context, to play music with a strong, infectious rhythmic groove characteristic of this style.
  • That band really knows how to swing.

Variants and Related Words

• Swing (noun): Can be used as a shorter, informal synonym for "swing music."
  • Do you like listening to swing?
• Swing band (noun): A large ensemble, typically with brass, reed, and rhythm sections, that plays swing music.
  • She plays saxophone in a swing band.

Synonyms

• Big-band jazz
• Swing (in the musical context)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "In the groove": While not exclusive to swing, this idiom meaning to perform excellently and with a strong sense of rhythm was commonly associated with swing musicians.
  • Once the clarinet solo started, the whole band was in the groove.

Noun

1. a style of jazz played by big bands popular in the 1930s; flowing rhythms but less complex than later styles of jazz