What makes a swing dance floor truly come alive? The answer lies in the music! Of course, we all have different ideas of what makes a great song to dance to, but there are those special nights when everyone seems to be united in a rhythmic trance that can only be cast by a DJ who knows their music. We’ve all experienced how the right songs can turn an ordinary night into an unforgettable dance experience.
At Cape Town Swing, our DJs are dedicated to keeping the spirit of swing alive, carefully curating sets that bring dancers together in rhythm and joy, while paying homage to the dance’s roots. But which tracks do they love the most? I asked them to share their personal favourites—the timeless classics and hidden gems that never fail to get feet moving and hearts soaring.
DJ Picks
Jazz Hawkins
🎵 Lavender Coffin – Lionel Hampton
“There is just something about the whooping and hollering at the beginning of the track and throughout. The energy between the band and vocalist is absolutely infectious, and it’s a favourite of mine to play at socials. It has a rather macabre and sardonic sense of humour that I love, too. The Lionel Hampton Orchestra became known around the world for its first-class jazz musicianship. As a composer and arranger, Hampton wrote more than 200 works.”
🎵 Jive at Five – Jo Jones
“I adore this song, no matter how many times I listen to it. I love the routine, the Trickeration that is done to it, and it brings me endless joy when it comes up in a social, and I make a run for the floor along with my friends who know the routine, too. The routine was choreographed as a way of recording solo jazz moves from the era and preserving them for future generations. I love being a part of that. This version is particularly powerful as it stars Jo Jones, the granddaddy of jazz drumming. A band leader and pioneer in jazz percussion, Jones anchored the Count Basie Orchestra rhythm section from 1934 to 1948.”
🎵 Money Blues – LaVern Baker
“LaVern is one of my favourite female vocalists. She was one of the most distinctive divas gracing the rock and roll era in the ’50s, but she has such a powerful voice that is so well suited to swing music. This lovely, sassy song is a joy to dance to and is all too relatable in this not-so-roaring era of the 2020s!”
Sarah M’Marete
🎵 On Revival Day – LaVern Baker
“I listened to a lot of spiritual and Southern gospel growing up. This song reminds me so much of the feeling of praise and worship with others in a church setting. Also, it’s just a great jam by an amazing vocalist—nothing like a good swinging rhythm-and-blues tune to get dancers on the floor.”
🎵 Leapin’ on Lenox – Johnny Griffin & Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis
“From the moment the two saxophonists belt this tune—one later than the other in a staggered fashion—you’re hooked. This song straddles the line between big band, soul-jazz, and bebop, with Eddie’s saxophone keeping the song swinging all through its run time. A fun one to play with on the dance floor!”
🎵 Song of the Volga Boatmen – Glenn Miller Orchestra
“The ‘Song of the Volga Boatmen’ is a Russian folk tune I learned from my dad. When I first heard the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s rendition, I was hooked. The low, brass-heavy bass line and the driving rhythm of the drums build a reserved tension for almost two minutes before the band finally lets loose. So much fun to listen to again and again!”
Meritxell Cilliers
🎵 Wings and Things – Duke Ellington, Paul Gonsalves, Johnny Hodges
“It’s just 11 minutes of pure party. The live recording at Côte d’Azur, France, transports you to a swing party with some of the greatest swing musicians of the time.”
🎵 Beer Garden Blues Pt. 1 – Clarence Williams & His Washboard Band
“This song makes me want to Balboa until dawn breaks on a little street in New Orleans. It’s just so rhythmically interesting and good. The horns are dirty, the washboard rustic—I love it. And there’s a Part 2 as well! Good God, this one will resuscitate me at any party.”
Muriel Gravenor
🎵 Vine Street Rumble – Count Basie
“This song just swings! I also love how it starts out quite mellow, but then the energy builds, and you can’t help but swing the F out. This song was written to represent the Kansas City style of jazz: Vine Street was a hotspot for Black musicians in Kansas City, the city from which Basie’s band hailed. Basie, the legendary swing band leader, introduced a strong blues influence and a driving rhythm to the jazz of the swing era, creating a definitive sound that lindy hoppers loved.”
🎵 Mack the Knife – Ella Fitzgerald
“This one’s nostalgic; I’ve been hearing it since I started swing dancing. Ella is masterful in how she improvised lyrics on the spot in her famous Berlin performance of 1960, which won her a Grammy Award.”
🎵 Things Ain’t What They Used to Be – Duke Ellington
“I discovered this song during COVID times, and it really struck a chord as I was reminiscing on how times had changed. I later learned that this bittersweet song was written by Duke’s son during WWII as a commentary on turbulent change, with ongoing racial segregation and an evolving jazz scene.”
Sam Sserwanga
🎵 All of Me – Duke Ellington (feat. Johnny Hodges)
“Smooth and swinging. Showing how The Duke was a great composer/arranger, and how good the musicians in the big bands were. Duke Ellington paid his musicians rightly so.“
🎵 Segue In C – Duke Ellington & Count Basie
“The album is First Time! The Count Meets The Duke. Imagine two of the most influential big bands sharing the stage together. You can pick out everything from the bluesy Count melodies to the Duke’s arrangements and how the musicians in the big band play skillfully. Eight minutes of swingin’ bliss.“
🎵 Smooth Sailing – Ella Fitzgerald
“One of the most iconic vocals of the swing era. She sings like a trumpeter. Being mentored by Louis Armstrong, you can hear how she adopted the melodies of trumpeters. This whole song is just one big scat and not a note out of place. Being a musician myself, I can only hope to sing as such at my best singing.“
Mikhael Gerhard
🎵 Facts and Figures – Chick Webb and His Orchestra
I love Facts and Figures by Chick Webb because it’s a hard-swinging, fast-paced big band track that perfectly captures Webb’s driving, danceable style. The strong brass section, steady rhythm, and explosive drumming—likely led by Webb himself—keep the energy high while maintaining a solid groove. It swings hard, making it an excellent choice for Lindy Hop dancers who enjoy faster tempos and for Balboa dancers, thanks to its consistent rhythm and smooth flow. I also love the cool melodic call-and-response between the brass at the beginning, which adds excitement right from the start. Plus, at just 2:35, it’s the perfect length for a fast dance—keeping the energy up without exhausting the dancers.“
🎵 Take it and Git – Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy
“This song showcases Andy Kirk and His Clouds of Joy’s hotter side, even though the band was sometimes known for its sweeter style. The arrangement is more minimalist than many big band charts, letting the Kansas City-style rhythm section drive the groove and keep dancers locked into the swing. While still featuring brass, the song’s bluesy undertones and rhythm hint at the future sounds of rock and roll.
One of the highlights is the electric guitar solo in the second verse, likely played by Floyd Smith, a pioneer of the instrument. The third verse is another standout, featuring a cool call-and-response between the vocals and Mary Lou Williams’ complex, twinkling piano lines. It’s full of energy and playful phrasing, making it a blast for improvisational dancing.“
🎵 Holiday for Swing – Erskine Hawkins and His Orchestra
Holiday for Swing has a strong, propulsive groove that chugs hard, keeping the energy high for dancers who love to swing hard. Despite its driving rhythm, the core melody is smooth, sophisticated, and incredibly catchy, giving it a perfect balance between power and elegance.
The tight, polished musicianship shines through, with each section of the band contributing to the song’s high-energy feel. The punchy brass section delivers a rich, vibrant sound, while Erskine Hawkins’ soaring trumpet—a signature of his style—adds a thrilling lead voice.
The song radiates an optimistic, celebratory vibe, making the title “Holiday for Swing” feel especially fitting. Even without lyrics, it effortlessly conveys joy and excitement, making it a classic crowd-pleaser that never fails to lift the mood.“
Keep the Music Swinging!
Great swing music is at the heart of every unforgettable dance, and our DJs know just how to set the mood with timeless classics and high-energy tunes.
Listen to these songs, really listen, and embody the music, energy and soul the next time you dance. Feeling the music in your heart and body brings life to the dance floor. The more familiar you are with the songs, the more confidence and musicality you bring to your dance. It’s hard to beat the feeling of dissolving into the music in sync with your partner.
Enjoy exploring the music, and keep on swinging!
A big thank you to our fine DJs for their words and music
