The Swing Project

We wrapped up Level 2 this week learning more about the iconic tenor saxophonist, Ben Webster 🎷

🎵 Webster came out of Kansas City, one of the cradles of swing in America where he learnt to play piano from Pete Johnson and sax from Budd Johnson. After getting his start in the Young Family Band, alongside Lester Young, he was a member of the Bennie Moten Orchestra, one of the original KC big bands alongside jazz titans like Basie, Walter Page and Hot Lips Page.

🎶 He was brought in to the Ellington Orchestra in 1940 to bring in more of the KC sound, appearing on the iconic “Cottontail” track. Originally inspired by Coleman Hawkins’ style of playing, he worked alongside Johnny Hodges in the orchestra who became a major influence on his playing.

📚 Learn more about him here: https://benwebsterfoundation.com/bw-history

Just 24hrs to go til we kick off Summer Swing Out 2026!☀️ 🏖️

Here’s a peek at last year’s welcome party warm up - A Lindy Rueda! It’s a great way to meet everyone so we’re bringing it back and kicking off our Friday party with it too!

🎶 Friday Night Social: Lindy Rueda Taster Class,
Guest DJs, Lindy Bingo and our 60 Second Showcase

⭐️ Saturday Night Social: St Louis S**g Taster Class, live music from Sarah Meek and the Savoy Seven

🎂 Sunday Tea Dance: Guest DJs, chill vibes and delicious homemade cake

🗓️ Online Social Ticket sales close tonight, Thursday 23rd July @ 11.59pm at: www.swingproject.co.Uk/summerswingout

In Level 2 this month, we’re learning more about the members of the Ellington Orchestra - and this week it’s Johnny Hodges 🎷

🎵 Born Cornelius “Johnny” Hodges on 25 July 1907, Hodges became one of the definitive alto saxophonists of the big band era, known for his solos with the Duke Ellington Orchestra

🎷 He was the inspiration behind so many of Ellington’s compositions like “Jeep Jumped In” and “Hodge Podge” and inspired so many sax players that came after him with his unique vibrato and tone.

⭐️ Hodges worked with the Ellington Orchestra for 22 years, recording their very first record with them in 1928. He’d go onto lead his own band after leaving Ellington but they reunited for the legendary Newport Jazz Festival in 1956.

📚 Learn more about him here: https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/elegy-for-johnny-hodges/

Did you know!! ✨ 🎶 🙌
⁣
You can try Lindy Hop for just a fiver EVERY First Wednesday of the month - there’s a drop in class at 7pm followed by a free community social to meet other folks and have a great midweek dance!
⁣
✨ Wednesday Night Hop: First Wed of the Month (7pm Class, 8-10pm Social)
⁣
☑️ Learn more at: https://www.swingproject.co.uk/wednesday-night-hop
⁣
swingdancing

In Level 2 this month, we’re learning more about the members of the Ellington Orchestra - and this week it’s Rex Stewart 🎺

🎵 After working in a number of big bands including Fletcher Henderson’s, Stewart led his own big band at the Empire Ballroom in New York.

🎺 He went on to spend 11 years in the Ellington orchestra. Stewart co-wrote a number of Ellington favourites including “Morning Glory” and “Boy meets Horn.”

🎥 We can see Stewart in this classic scene from Hellzapoppin (1941) alongside fellow musicians Slim and Slam, Elmer Fane, J*p Jones and Cee P*e Jonstone.

📚 Learn more about him here: https://syncopatedtimes.com/rex-stewart-trumpet-in-spades/