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The Swing Book

The Swing BookAuthors: Degen Pener, Scotty Morris
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Category: Book

List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $1.70
as of 7/31/2010 10:10 MDT details
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New (5) Used (18) from $1.70

Seller: keen_northwest
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 6 reviews
Sales Rank: 489597

Media: Paperback
Pages: 246
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 8.3 x 5.7 x 0.8

ISBN: 0316698024
Dewey Decimal Number: 781.654
EAN: 9780316698023
ASIN: 0316698024

Publication Date: November 4, 1999
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Also Available In:

  • Kindle Edition - The Swing Book

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
"Swing is king again. Louis Prima is the last word in cool; new bands like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy are jumping the charts; and across the country crowds are once more packing it in on the dance floor. The Swing Book is a complete guide to swing, from back in the day to today's new scene-everything you need to know about what to listen to, where to dance, how to dress, and how to move."


Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 6



5 out of 5 stars What a fabulous book! A great resource!   July 18, 2000
Erin Lynne McFarland (Kirksville, MO United States)
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

What a fabulous book! It appealed to the dancer in me at once. I bought it on a whim, even though I was afraid of getting just another superficial treatment of swing. Pener proved me wrong; this book is killer-diller! I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of research Pener did for the book; any history major (which I am) would be proud of this one. Well-written, well-researched, with tons of addresses, web sites, and CD recommendations, this book is a gem. I thought knew quite a bit about the history and development of swing--I was wrong. A great resource for dancers who want to learn more swing history, culture and fashions. Every dancer, music historian, and swing lover should own this book!


5 out of 5 stars As fast and fun as the music itself, and with real substance   October 28, 1999
11 out of 12 found this review helpful

More than just a valentine to swing, THE SWING BOOK is highly informative and entertaining. It really all is in here, in a fast and fun way with so many original interviews. Some real research and reporting went into this book, and it shows. Pener does a great job tracing the history of swing back in the day, and the social history of its recent comeback, with great quotes from the people who made it happen. All the experts weigh in, on dancing, on fashion, on tracking down the perfect find (whether it's a full suit or outfit, a small accessory, or the right album with the right performance of the right song), and on the history and artists both then and now. Makes you want to get out there and dance, or at least run to your record store.


5 out of 5 stars A First-Rate Introduction to the World of Swing!!   October 25, 1999
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Degen Pener has written a wonderful guide/history of the culture of swing music. Starting with the greats like Duke Ellington and Louis Prima, Pener tells the story of swing in the richest of detail. The guides to dress and dance are also extremely thorough and quite interesting to learn about. Very readable, entertaining, and informative. A five star book!


5 out of 5 stars Swing from A-Z!   April 19, 2000
David L. White (Everett, WA USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Degen Pener has really done his homework on this one. A fine book which treats its subject with respect. With the exception of a few books, Swing is usually given a brief glance in books on music and Jazz and those books often put the music and the dancers down. Pener really seems to like his subject and gives great recommendations on music to buy if you're just starting a collection. Top it all off with a reasonable price and you've got a book that Jazz lovers, Swing music lovers, and Swing dancers should clear space for on their book shelf.


5 out of 5 stars A must have for any music fan!   June 1, 2000
The book which ( ) is the stuff! I love swing music and this book only enhanced my views and liking of the topic and music. It is a must buy book. Also, I met Scotty Morris ata show and thanked him for such a great foward. Hoppin job by Degen!

Showing reviews 1-5 of 6


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