Interested in the Big Band Revival: Chick Webb project that’s kicking off tonight? Hear project organizer Michael Gamble talk about his vision for transcribing swing-era classics for modern bands on Episode 15 of The Track Podcast!
Big Band Revival: Chick Webb
Say what you will about its UI (and I do ever in Episode 10 of The Track), this month’s guest Rob Moreland has been using Spotify to spread his love and knowledge of swing music to a fine degree. Not only has he posted setlists inspired by his gigs as head DJ at events such as Swing Out New Hampshire, Nevermore Jazz Ball, and Lindy Focus, but he’s got themed playlists of Basie Sidemen, Duke Ellington, and more.
Follow Rob on Spotify and check out Episode 10 for tons more swing DJ conversation, including how he found swing dancing after playing second fiddle in a cajun band, compare some of our worst DJ mistake horror stories, and explore the differences between DJing at large national events and local regular gigs. We also commiserate on our mutual weakness for remembering song titles, compare notes on preparing for gigs & contest music, and Rob shares some advice he’d give to new and aspiring DJs.
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Episode 10 of The Track arrives on Tuesday! This month, I am joined by the Head DJ of Lindy Focus, Rob Moreland. Now based in St. Louis, Rob has been DJing for lindy hop dancers since 2003, when he started a four-year stretch of DJing every week at a local dance in Raleigh, NC. Rob has DJed countless international dance events, including the Basie Centennial Ball, Frankie100, and Lindy Showdown, and has been the featured DJ at Stompology, Swing Out New Hampshire, and the Nevermore Jazz Ball.
Prepare for my upcoming swing DJ geekout with Rob by checking out this quick Q&A he did with the folks at Cumberland Shuffle in 2012, and tune in next week for our conversation!
We only touched on this aspect of her life briefly, but this month's guest on The Track, Caitlin Wellman, is an amazing singer in addition to being a dancer & instructor. A native of Ithaca, NY, Caitlin made a splash with the rest of Minnie’s Moochers in 1998. Starting as a teen, Caitlin was a traveling instructor for the better part of a decade, partnering with Dan Amores & Peter Strom, before she stepped away from the scene in 2006. She has since returned, teaching on her own in Toronto and at dance events in Canada & the USA.
Tune in to Episode 9 to hear us talk about regional dance “accents,” how her height led her to find inspiration in Leon James, and the struggle with a chronic illness that led her to step away from dancing at the top of her game. We also talk about what it’s like managing that illness, returning to the Lindy Hop world after an extended break, and challenging the glass ceiling as a female headlining instructor.
This month on The Track I am joined by an amazing dancer, instructor & singer from Toronto, Caitlin Wellman. A native of Ithaca, NY, Caitlin made a splash with the rest of Minnie’s Moochers with this winning team routine at ALHC in 1998 and here above at NADC in 1999, and was a traveling instructor as a teen.
Tune in to Episode 9 next week to hear us talk about regional dance “accents,” how her height led her to find inspiration in Leon James, and the struggle with a chronic illness that led her to step away from dancing at the top of her game. We also talk about what it’s like managing that illness, returning to the Lindy Hop world after an extended break, and challenging the glass ceiling as a female headlining instructor.
Don’t miss an episode! Follow & subscribe to The Track podcast: