SwingThe main difference between swing and jazz is that it is arranged for large bands, rather than small ensembles and is identifiable by its strong, characteristic rhythm. In the main, these bands have a lively brass section, lending the music to a brighter, energetic sound compared with some of the more mellow sounds of jazz.Swing-jazz really began to take off in the 1920's, but it was Benny Goodman's performance at the Palmoral Ballroom in 1935 that brought the movement to the fore. Goodman was in the minority, in that he led a racially integrated band. Racism was still very much a problem during the swing era and many black musicians struggled to gain the recognition of their white counterparts. As a result, those who gained the international acclaim were not necessarily the greatest musicians. Swing's rhythmical and lively nature meant that it leant itself to an explosion of expressive dance within the black community, characterised by its energy and reliance on improvisation. The liberal characteristics of the music meant that it came into conflict with some of the more conservative, white, Anglo-American audiences. There was pressure on band leaders to make a little less rowdy in order to pander to a more "sober" majority. It also came under scrutiny in Germany for clashing with Nazi ideology and similarly in the Soviet Union where it was banned for being politically unacceptable. Fortunately today, Swing is alive and thriving. Artists such as Michael Buble and Harry Connick jnr have helped to ensure that this music style lives on. Return from Swing to Jazz History
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