Weird Cast Recording Question

[Kevinoes]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:28pm

Was looking at the "Rent" 20th Anniversary Tour news and got to thinking about the OBC cast album, remembering how they had listed the swings (Simone, David Driver, Yasmin Alers, etc.) in the cast list... As, I guess, many do.  But I wondered something... Something I've never really thought of before.

Do swings ever get a chance in any known cast recording to fill out vocals in ensemble or group numbers? Or do they maintain what the original cast "sound" is? I mean, sure, you could fill out some vocals here and there.  But with something like "Seasons of Love" in "Rent" with 15, even just adding 6 would alter the sound.

I guess I wonder, for instance, if at any point, I am listening to Simone or Yasmin buried in those vocals?

But beyond the "Rent" OBC, does anyone know of any recordings where Swings get to do background/Ensemble vocals or do Swings not get a shot at all?

[asmith0307]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:36pm

Its a show by show basis as I understand, but Hamilton had the swings participate. I had just heard about another the other day, but I can't remember what it was. 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:40pm

It depends on the show, and whether there is money to pay them.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:46pm

School of Rock swings were on the recording 

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:56pm

A Chorus Line.  All those eliminated dancers had to do something.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 3:56pm

Jared Gertner is in the Mormon ensemble on the OBC recording (this was before there was always a Price standby, too). I assume the swings are as well.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 4:04pm

It seems like it's become common to consider swings as ensemble members for media and recording situations. In the case of many shows I know of that are within the past decade, swings recorded with the ensemble.

[JM226]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 4:47pm

unless there are serious budgetary concerns and A LOT OF SWINGS, they will typically sing with the ensemble. there is no standard or rule for this. it just depends on the show and situation. if a major cast recording is being produced, however, they have the additional funds to pay the swings. it's not much more.  

[Wilmingtom]

Posted: 1/26/16 at 6:30pm

Producers with a heart will include the swings because they're part of the family.