Swing is what makes a lot of music work. When you feel it, everything changes. Musicians and audience alike can share something wonderful when it takes hold. The feeling swing gives you is hard to describe in words. But I thought one day I'd try and here's what came out.

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It stays square
Until you feel it
And, feeling, understand it
And stop thinking it
And just play it
Know the beat
Even when it's not there
Find your voice
Hear, feel, others find theirs.
Suddenly sounds are steady
But never set
Upon a darting shifting wave
Leaning forward without falling
Holding back without breaking
Ready to dump you any instant.
Hey, man! You're swinging!

- Charlie Neff