Jazz Country

History

The style grew first through western swing, then through guitarists and arrangers who kept jazz inflections inside country performance even when full swing bands faded. Chet Atkins, Hank Garland, Danny Gatton, Junior Brown, and revival players illustrate how long this conversation has lasted.

Defining artists

• Bob WillsSpotifyYouTube
• Chet AtkinsSpotifyYouTube
• Hank GarlandSpotifyYouTube
• Danny GattonSpotifyYouTube
• Asleep at the WheelSpotifyYouTube
• Junior BrownSpotifyYouTube

Essential listening

• Panhandle Rag — Bob WillsSpotifyYouTube
• Yakety Axe — Chet AtkinsSpotifyYouTube
• Jazz Winds from a New Direction — Hank GarlandSpotifyYouTube
• Elmira Street Boogie — Danny GattonSpotifyYouTube
• Route 66 — Asleep at the WheelSpotifyYouTube
• Highway Patrol — Junior BrownSpotifyYouTube

Sources

• Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Western swing" (britannica.com)
• Library of Congress, "Western Swing: Live and on Film" (loc.gov)