Each band had its own arranger, who wrote the music. Although there were still some improvised solos in swing music, playing the parts that were written by the arranger was very important.

He was also influenced by the music his African-American friends sang in the cotton fields and later by Hispanic musicians in New Mexico. And he was influenced by “swing” music—an offshoot ...

he said indignantly. The Duke holds that a fine swing tune can be interpreted in exactly the same way as classical music is delved into. He said, though, that it was too much a commercial thing.

Gordon Webster of Rochester is a keyboardist and bandleader known worldwide for his modern take on vintage swing music. His ...