Is big band swing too old fashioned for the old folks?

Recently on another keyboard forum there was a very interesting post about playing senior citizens venues. A member from SZ who I highly respect said that seniors under 80 aren’t into big band swing, and OMB entertainers should not play big band swing at senior venues. What do you think?

Let's look at the numbers, shall we?

Seniors under 80, encompasses a range from 65 -79, the mean age is 72. People 72 years old were born in 1939. They were 11 years old in 1950, when the big band ensembles were still going pretty well. They faded through the decade of course, but the "crooners" like Sinatra, Martin, Fisher and Cole performed a similar style of music.

Tastes vary from region to age groups, etc. I think to categorically say don't play that kind of music is wrong. Dancers enjoy a variety of musical styles including big band swing stuff.

Here in Dayton, there are clients I play mostly Big Band material for but then other ones who really prefer Country music. Its important to know what your client wants-and give it to them.

Typically people who enjoy dancing have been dancing for several decades and usually find some of the Big band era material familiar.

Play a lot/play a little...whatever works best for the client....

You may need to test the water locally, but I can tell you I play a quite a bit of big band mixed with anything else people may want. Big band music is popular where I'm at and I often hear the comment on how amazed they are that I can make my keyboard sound like a big band.

Some big band music will work on almost any age group, that we'd be playing for, such as In The Mood, Sing, Sing Sing, Woodchoppers Ball, etc, etc

This has been true for me in the "ballroom" dance clubs as well as nursing homes and the like.

Because of what we can do with these great arranger keyboards I was just hired instead of an 18 piece big band! Another venue hired a six piece band with horns for their main event and hired me for a VIP sponor party. After they heard what an arranger keyboard can do they said they should have used me for the main event and will use me for that next year.

Big band music will never die. There will always be people with that kind of taste that don't go for the usual schlock

Let me put it to you this way. While it is very important to include more modern styles of music into your program, I always get a huge reaction when I play In the Mood. So don't count out swing, it's still very popular.

Joe

Great question!
All points being made here are good; Now my view.
Big Band still has a good size audience but it depends how they are played. This includes all keyboard settings and your ability to get excited.

I feel that Big Band music must be played with a stronger flavor; Stronger basses and drums and more exciting soloing. Just listening to some of the old recordings they will tell you they are out.
Years ago I thought the old rhythms were great but no longer. The beats/styles I select are exciting, if not I do a bit of editing. If you are moving them in and from their seats, and the song is familiar, Ya got em!

It is not always what but how we present whjat we play that makes us successful. Big Band is not a substitute for 50’s, 60’s and 70’s -- But they can add to your job. If the average age is between age 23 to 43 I try not to show up on the job. (smile)
John C.

I try to provide my NH and retirement audiences with a mix ranging from big band to Chuck Berry to show tunes, anything and everything that will get them moving. I want to see them singing, tapping their toes, and those that are physically capable, dancing. I've played Hot Hot Hot at several assisted living facilities, which resulted in a conga line around the room that seemed endless. Above all, first and foremost, you must be an entertainer. I love performing Glenn Miller songs and my audiences love the performances. But they also love it when I play Harry Belefonte and Jimmy Buffett tunes. Big band isn't dead or dying, it's an integral part of an OMB's versatile performance.

Gary

TEMPO, TEMPO, TEMPO....

I think all kinds of music in the proper audience, at certain "time" a particular music style will be very accepted. You need to be able to "read" the crowd.

Thank you for the thoughtful replies. I believe an adult audience will appreciate most musical styles that are performed well and sincerely. As far as big band swing, I think it holds a special place in American history and I often associate it with Americas “greatest generation”

I’m still quite “green” when it comes to performing for senior groups, but I try to have a diverse set of music, I try to select from very popular music (rock, R&B, country, Latin, standards, big band) Later maybe I’ll add show tunes, gospel, and patriotic.

I had read from a forum member that nobody these days wants to hear big band music. This comment made me reflect a bit on my repertoire.

I would hate to be condescending to these older people that I play for. I realize most of these folks are indeed too young to have really come of age during the height big band era. At the same time, I’m sure most people in the 65-80 age range heard their parents, older friends, and family playing that music.

I was teen in the 80’s but I still love 60’s-70’s music just like many others in my age group. I also love standards and big band swing which is not too typical of people my age. I would think most people would agree that big band swing is quality music, maybe not timeless, but it is definitely nostalgic. Also, for us arranger keyboard players, big band swing can really show off the capacities of not only our instruments but also our playing skills.

I think to a certain extent, when playing for older people, you not only play music from THEIR generation, but even some music from their PARENT'S generation will bring back good memories, too. They would have listened to it a lot while they were growing up...

I'm not from the bigband generation, really (born in '56), but my parents listened to it a LOT, and it helped form my taste for it to this day...

Diki has a good point. I grew up just after the Swing/Big Band era, but my parents, and aunts and uncles all listened to that music, and a few of them played it, so it influenced me greatly as far as what music I play.

So, playing something from the listener's parent's generation will surely bring back a lot of memories.

It still has the ability to get people on the floor, and tapping their feet, and, to me, it adds a certain class or polish to a performance.

Ian

Swing is FUN to play, with a real big band. I'm lucky I get to do that with bands from the local University jazz programs and Philharmonic based groups. And, I avoid all the big group rehearsals.

You can pull it off, kinda, with an arranger, but I don't think it's worth the trouble. But remember, this is from someone who does no senior centers, assisted living or nursing home jobs
at all.

R.

Russ, I see where you're coming from on this about 'kinda' pulling it off with an arranger, and I'd love to have the luxury of playing it with real people, many here would. After all, there ain't nothin' like the real thing, baby.

But, as it is in your case, or anyone else's for that matter, it's all about giving the customers what they want and, and to summarise what others have said, it's a fair chance that a fair percentage of a senior audience will enjoy one or two familiar big band standards mixed in with everything else.

As always, send 'em home happy. My 2c.

You're right! I just wish that everyone her had the chance to play, just once, with a really good big band.

I played upright with one for 20 years, but can't anymore, with my left arm.

Russ