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Here’s where jazz gets its swing

Nearly imperceptible delays in soloists’ timing contribute to the music’s signature rhythm

black and white image of Louis Armstrong holding a trumpet surround by other jazz musicians

Jazz musician Louis Armstrong, shown holding a trumpet, recorded “What Is This Thing Called Swing?” in 1939. Science may now have an answer.

Haywood Magee/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

By Nikk Ogasa

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing — all you’ve got to do is stagger your timing.

For decades, fans of jazz music have debated why some songs have swing — the characteristic swaying feeling that compels feet to tap and heads to bop.