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