ONE of the UK’s top swing bands, Down for the Count, is coming to Frome next month with their new show ‘A Century of Swing’.
Fresh from selling out Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, Down for the Count are bringing the atmosphere, wit and glamour that is central to the jazz scene to the Memorial Theatre on Friday 31st March.
Down for the Count All-Stars are a mini big band who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship.
Since bursting onto the scene at Twinwood Festival in 2013, the band have quickly earned themselves a reputation as one of the hardest swinging bands in the UK. They are constantly in demand, regularly selling out shows at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, Le Caveau de la Huchette (Paris) and The London Jazz Festival.
The band’s touring theatre show brings the informal, yet sophisticated atmosphere of these iconic jazz clubs to theatres across the country. Described as “one hellova celebration of vintage music” by TimeOut London, A Century of Swing breathes new life into some of the best music of the 20th Century, treating audiences to joyous instrumental solos and sublime vocal performances.
Audiences can expect to hear songs from the likes of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and Glenn Miller, and classics from singers such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat ‘King’ Cole – alongside original arrangements of jazz classics written by band members Mike Paul-Smith and Simon Joyner.
The band are friends on-stage and off, with audiences up and down the country commenting on the ebullient atmosphere created by the show. However, the music always takes centre stage and the show features some of the best instrumentalists and vocalists performing in the UK today.
With spontaneity being a central aspect of the show, no two performances are ever the same – giving each night a unique energy and experience for the audience. Musical director, Mike Paul-Smith explains, “Every show is different, as we want people to leave the theatre feeling energised and inspired to go and find out more about the swing and jazz music which we love in Down for the Count”.
The new tour also sees the musicians to delve deeper into the history and origin of swing music. “Swing music has a fascinating and, at times, troubling history” explains Mike Paul-Smith. “Our show explores some of the aspects of jazz music history and we discuss some of the pivotal moments that shaped the music; however, we also make sure the music takes centre stage, and we want audiences to leave feeling energised and inspired to go and learn more about origins of this incredible, varied genre of music”.
A Century of Swing is on Fri 31 March at the Memorial Theatre, Frome. The show begins at 7.30pm and lasts 2 hours 30 minutes, including one 20-minute interval.
Tickets are available from Frome Memorial Theatre’s website.
