History of Swing Music
Swing, like many other forms of music popular in the 20th Century can trace its original inspiration back to African rhythm. Traditional African music which was brought over to western cultures by Africans slaves over time hybridised with established western music to create a very distinct style. Early recordings designated as 'swing style' date from 1920, coming from US nd the UK. They are characterised by a certain 'swing' rhythm which was already present at the time. It was familiar in jazz music; a very distinctive and lively style which is difficult to describe. Whilst swing evolved from the energetic jazz experimentation that started in the US (New Orleans), what is now known as swing emerged from other examples jazz music in such a way as seperated it as a art form of its own standing.
Whilst swing was commonly presented by reasonably small ensembles of musicians, the major, influencial swing bands tended to be big and considerably more crowded than jazz bands, meaning there was a need for a more detailed and organised style of musical notation than previously. Bandleaders would put alot of energy into developing arrangements, so as to reduce the mayhem that could result from up to 16 swing musicians all spontaneously wishing to perform their own versions of the music!
A standard swing song features a strong rhythm, which supports more casual brass and wind. String instruments and vocalisation weren't added until a later stage. The most heard style of swing had a solo musician in the spotlight, who could be expected to come in and take over to improvise their own section.