SWINGING STARS
This show boasts multi-instrumentalists and singers lead by Chris Smith – former composer for Herb Miller (Glenn Miller’s brother), BBC Big Band and the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium. The Unique “Feel-Good” 1940’s Showband plus – “HITS FROM THE BLITZ” – as featured at the Dame Vera Lynn’s Star Charity Gala Nights. Famous War-time tunes and “sing-a-long” songs brought to life by the singers and multi instrumentalists of the Five Star Swing band.
“A celebration of classic Swing !” (Telegraph)
Performing a broad selection of songs you’ll know and love from the Swing era – from Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller through to songs like Mr Bojangles & Bad Bad Leroy Brown plus foot stomping Blues, Jive & Jazz. The band performs as any size from four to seventeen-piece featuring at least three multi-instrumentalists / vocalists and lead by Chris & Simone Smith. The Swinging Stars have performed for Dame Vera Lynn, BBC TV’s “Children in Need”, runners-up for “Strictly Dance Fever”, Military Wives” national theatre tour, Blenheim Palace, Chelsea Flower Show, Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom…
Chris, who’s varied career has taken him from Jazz festivals to Top of the Pops, uses his experience gained in playing and writing for Glenn Miller’s Brother (Herb Miller) to bring the songs to life. Saxophonist and vocalist, Simone, has performed with the New Squadroniares, Paul Merton TV show, the film Lace 2 and recorded with Paul Weller. The band has a great appeal for all age groups and a sell-out show on their many theatre tours! This versatile and accomplished Swing Band recreates the exciting sound of the big band days, no matter what size is booked – featuring male and female vocalists, saxophones, trumpet, flutes & clarinets – multi-instrumentalists and dynamic rhythm section.
INSTRUMENTATION
Musician No.1 Male Vocal / Keyboard / Trumpet Musician No.2 Female Vocal / Alto Sax / Clarinet / Flute Musician No.3 Double Bass Musician No.4 Drums Musician No.5 Tenor Sax / Male Vocal Additional musicians increase the size of brass & sax sections up to 17-piece.
“Saxophones, a rhythm section and vocals, swinging like crazy – that’s the apptly named FIVE STAR SWING ! As saxophone section in any band, they would take some beating. Beautifully tones and well rehearsed by their leader, Chris Smith (Jnr), who has the singular talent of playing the trumpet with his right hand and the piano with his left at one and the same time ! He also happens to be a very experienced music writer having learnt his trade with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Add to the fact that he can also well handle a vocal, as can his wife, lead alto Simone Smith and tenor man Stephen Davies, who’s clarinet playing on “Sing, Sing, Sing” was superb – and it will give you some idea of the breadth of talent in this line-up. This is a band crying out to be danced to and it wasn’t long before the jivers took to the dance floor. Five Star Swing –a “must” for every dance club in the country.”
SHEILA TRACY, BBC
“…fans of this style of music will revel in what is on offer” !…Superb, imaginative scores…great three-part vocals…brilliance of the sax section…at the finish, cheers rang out continuously until the house lights came up !”A musical treat” ”
JIM KENNEDY, ENCORE MAGAZINE
“We just wanted to thank you again for playing at our wedding, it was truly fantastic. As I’m sure you could tell, our guests also shared our sentiments completely. Sarah particularly, had always hoped of having a big band play on her special day and you fulfilled her dream beautifully! We wish you all the best for the future.”
SARAH AND JOHN HUMMEL, WEDDING