NorthWest Western Swing Music Society
To encourage, foster and promote the preservation of America’s Western Swing Music
The NorthWest Western Swing Music Society © February 2023

Swing It! Western Style . . .

Watch for more video tips on playing western swing

rhythms, leads and adding those swinging vocals!

In Swing It! Western Style: Rhythm - Part 1, NWWSMS percussionist Jim Hollinger explains basic music theory behind the swing rhythm. This lesson is designed for beginning and intermediate drum students OR those interested in understanding why it’s often said that a musician is only as good as the rhythm behind him/her.
In this second segment on the rhythm behind Western Swing, Jim Hollinger talks about swing drum solos, demonstrating some of his techniques. For Jim's lesson on basic swing rhythm patterns, check out Swing It! Western Style: Rhythm - Part 1

Tips on adding the energy of Western Swing to your music

Carolyn (2014 Inductee into the NorthWest Western Swing Music Society's Hall of Fame) and Dave Martin graciously agreed to this two- part interview at the close of the 2014 NWWSMS Festival. They are interviewed by Shelley McNaughton, lead vocalist for the Northwest's Southern Comfort Band. In Part 1, Carolyn tells of her early musical influences and what drew her to western swing. Later in the interview, both Carolyn and Dave share what they see happening across the nation as western swing continues to influence the American music scene.
Carolyn (2014 Inductee into the NorthWest Western Swing Music Society's Hall of Fame) and Dave Martin graciously agreed to this two-part interview at the close of the 2014 NWWSMS Festival. They are interviewed by Shelley McNaughton, lead vocalist for the Northwest's Southern Comfort Band. In Part 2, Carolyn shares key points for those just getting started singing with a live band and helps define how a vocalist puts swing into a song. For some, examples are more effective teachers than words so interspersed between the dialogs are segments from the 2014 Inductee Jam Band.