Song of the Week: Flying Home

This is the first post in a regular series looking at classic swing tunes, and I thought I’d start off with a classic: Lionel Hampton’s 1942 recording of “Flying Home”

This particular verison became an anthem of the Swing era thanks in part to a unique tenor saxophone solo by a young Illinois Jacquet. You can hear it build and build until the explosive climax where the whole orchestra rejoins with the main theme. The solo helped influence and define the ‘honking and wailing’ style of saxophone playing that became a feature of early Rhythm & Blues music. Some even consider it a contender as one of the first rock n roll records!

Keep an ear out for “Flying Home” on a dance floor near you!

DJ Trev.