Little Big Band is me and my laptop playing contra-dance tunes. We start a dance with ‘four potatoes’, play as long as needs be, switch tunes for the fun of it, and end when the caller is ready. It is music designed for dance!
Little Big Band came about because of Covid-19. For years these arrangements were just a figment of my imagination. Then the pandemic came along and provided a lot of time to spend with the audio tools I enjoy playing with. If you want to know any of the technical stuff just ask.
Little Big Band is available to play at contra-dances. My laptop started playing dances in 2022, I started playing dances in 1989. Since a video is worth a thousand words, here are some examples of dance tunes I like to play.
Duck River and Merriweather. I learned these from a cassette tape entitled Vintage Fiddle Tunes by Bruce Green and Hilary Dirlam.
Road to California, Katydid and Contrazz. I learned these from a CD entitled A Band Named Bob.
Susi’s Waltz (David Cahn, 1988) I learned this from the CD Greasy Coat, The Rodney Miller Band .
The Pernod Waltz (Johnny Cunningham and Micheal O’Domnhaill, 1982) I don’t remember how I learned this song, however I did hear Johnny Cunningham play it. I wanted this arrangement to be a conversation amongst the instruments instead of a melody with accompaniment.
These videos are pretty much what I should sound like playing at a dance. I have a cue mix in my ear buds, so I can hear the band. The violin is captured on a stereo pair of microphones over the camera. When you play live the dance hall creates reverb (for better or worse depending on the room). I’ve added reverb to the violin so it sounds like it is in a pretty nice room. Other than that these are one time through the sets with the recorder on.
You might wonder how much equipment is needed when the band is playing?
If you are interested in more detailed information about the song list, what the band sounds like, or how we interact with a P.A. click here for the Band Details page!
If you would like more information about booking Little Big Band please use this contact form. Click here!