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DJ Battle of the Bands, Fourth Edition

31 January 2019, Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, Austin, Texas

The Austin Swing Syndicate held its fourth semi-annual Battle of The Bands (via recorded music), with Lionel Hampton1 going head to head with his former bandleader, and second time Syndicate Battler, Benny Goodman2. Tommy Dorsey3 made his debut in the dance hall to make this a trifecta of bandleaders who were the masters of their instruments.

Dorsey, a king of the ballad and pop song, played every Swing tune in his book, including his signature tune penned by Sy Oliver, Well Git It. Hamp delighted with his different arrangements of Flying Home and exquisite vibraphone playing. Yet it was Goodman, who came out Swinging with the first song of his first set with the Mary Lou Williams’ boogie composition, Roll ‘Em, that ultimately took home the Syndicate honors as the winner of the Battle of the Bands!

The Winner: Benny Goodman (DJ Nik)

Here’s the slideshow from the evening:

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And if you’re interested in the songs played that evening:

 

References for the material:

  1. Benny Goodman – Wikipedia
  2. Tommy Dorsey – Wikipedia
  3. Lionel Hampton – Wikipedia
  4. Lionel Hampton – Biography.com

1 Hampton (or Hamp) was presented by DJ Mike Roberts

2 Goodman was presented by DJ Nik Brauer

3 Dorsey was presented by DJ Emelise Baldwin

All of the DJs did amazing! This was Emelise’s first full DJ set against veterans of the craft!

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DJ Battle of the Bands, Third Edition

20 September 2018, Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs, Austin, Texas

On March 7th, 1937, Chick Webb and His Orchestra were defeated by Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. Duke’s drummer, Sonny Greer, later stated “We tore them up, man!”

But the defeat was not to last. In an epic rematch, Chick (DJ Lian) squared off against Duke (DJ Gina) LIVE (via recorded music) at the Texas Federation of Women’s Clubs and eked out a single vote victory over Duke. Both bands played great, reaching deep into their catalogs in an attempt to one-up the other player and entertaining the audience throughout the evening. Chick closed it out with Lindy Hopper’s Delight that culminated in a rousing jam circle!

The Winner: Chick Webb (DJ Lian)

Please enjoy the slide show that was presented with all the interesting facts for each of the bands, including a special spotlight on Ella Fitzgerald, the “first lady of song.”

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References for the material:

  1. Duke Ellington – Wikipedia
  2. Duke Ellington – Official website
  3. Sonny Greer – Interview
  4. Sonny Greer – We tore them up, man!
  5. Ella Fitzgerald – Wikipedia
  6. Mary Lou Williams – Wikipedia
  7. Chick Webb – Wikipedia

A big thanks to Gina and Lian for their extraordinary DJing this evening!

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DJ Battle of the Bands 9/20

Our third DJ Battle of the Bands at the Fed will feature fierce competition between Duke Ellington (presented by DJ Gina Helfrich) and Chick Webb (presented by DJ Lian Tarhay). Come learn about your favorite swing era band leaders and vote for your favorite!

A rematch of the 1937 between Webb and Ellington at the Savoy! Read more about that battle here:

Duke Ellington vs Chick Webb: ‘We Tore Them Up, Man’

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DJ Battle of the Bands, Second Edition

January 2018, the Syndicate held its second Battle of the Bands for another energetic night of Swing greats!

This time, Chick Webb battled Jimmie Lunceford and Andy Kirk, brought to life through the best recordings by DJ Lian, DJ Keli, and DJ George, respectively. Andy Kirk was a surprise hit, but it was a close call between Jimmie and Chick!

The winner: Chick Webb (DJ Lian)!

Please enjoy the slide show that was presented with all the interesting facts for each of the bands, including a special spotlight on Mary Lou Williams, “One of the most brilliant Jazz pianists of all time.”

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First Ever DJ Battle of the Bands!

In May of 2017, three historic bands took the stage at the Fed for the Syndicate’s first ever Battle of the Bands! Chick Webb, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman squared off in a “battle royale”, winner-take-all head to head event! How was the Syndicate able to pull off such a feat? Three talented and eager DJs took the booth, presenting the best of each band through recorded music: DJ Lian presented Webb; DJ Joanna, Basis; DJ Kevin, Goodman. We’ve included the slideshow presentation with facts about each bandleader below.

The winner: Count Basie (DJ Joanna)!

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