swing band

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "swing band" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a musical ensemble that plays swing music, typically associated with jazz and dance music from the 1930s and 1940s. Example: "The swing band played all night, keeping the dance floor packed with enthusiastic dancers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Jazz Lobsters, swing band.

The New York Times

At 16, he had his own swing band.

The New York Times

My mom and dad were in a swing band.

The Guardian - Music

Like Wills, Cooley led a country-inflected swing band.

The New York Times - Arts

An eight-member swing band bubbles up behind him.

The New York Times - Arts

Some twirled dance partners to a swing band.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

After a pause Mr. Haggard appeared, with the Western-swing band Asleep at the Wheel as his backup.

The New York Times - Arts

The nouveau-swing band concert at the Circus Maximus Theater will still command a big price: $125.

The New York Times

Would you like to hear it, and a pride of other pop standards, played in bracing swing-band arrangements?

The New York Times - Arts

KATONAH -- Felix Swing Band.

The New York Times

PRINCETON Palmer Square Richard Reiter Swing Band.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "swing bands", specify subgenres like "western swing" or "nouveau swing" to provide context and cater to specific audiences.

Common error

Avoid using "swing band" interchangeably with other jazz styles. "Swing band" refers to a specific type of large jazz ensemble popular in the 1930s and 1940s, distinct from bebop, dixieland, or modern jazz combos.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swing band" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific type of musical ensemble characterized by its instrumentation and musical style. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "swing band" is a common and accepted phrase in the English language, referring to a musical ensemble that plays swing music. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news and media contexts, with reliable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employing the term. While alternatives like "big band" and "jazz orchestra" exist, "swing band" specifically denotes the style of music. When using the term, consider specifying subgenres to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big band

Focuses on the size of the ensemble, a common characteristic of swing bands.

jazz orchestra

Highlights the jazz genre that swing music belongs to and the orchestra aspect of it.

dance band

Emphasizes the purpose of swing music, which is to be danced to.

western swing band

Refers to a subgenre of swing music with country influences.

stage band

Highlights the performance aspect of a musical ensemble.

orchestra

Generic description of a musical ensemble of large scale.

concert band

Describes a band intended for concert settings.

jazz combo

Describes a smaller jazz ensemble, differing in size but sharing the same musical roots.

ensemble

A group of musicians that perform together.

musical group

A generic term for any group of musicians.

FAQs

How to use "swing band" in a sentence?

You can use "swing band" to describe a musical ensemble that plays swing music, for example: "The "swing band" played classic tunes from the 1940s." Or, "The local "swing band" is performing at the jazz festival."

What's the difference between a "swing band" and a big band?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, a "swing band" specifically plays swing music. A "big band" is a more general term for a large jazz ensemble that may play various styles, including swing.

Are "swing bands" still active today?

Yes, while swing music's peak popularity was in the mid-20th century, many "swing bands" continue to perform and new ones are formed, often focusing on preserving or innovating within the genre.

What instruments are typically in a "swing band"?

A "swing band" typically includes a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, guitar), brass section (trumpets, trombones), and reed section (saxophones, clarinets). Arrangements often feature solo improvisations.