Swing into Christmas
The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra are set to hit the road from November with their much-loved show Swing Into Christmas! Mixing fresh arrangements of both festive and non-festive classics with the band’s signature wit and flair, this show has become an annual tradition for music fans all over the country.
Formed in 2005 and directed by conductor and compère Mike Paul-Smith, the 30-piece “big-band with strings” comprises some of the nation’s top vocalists and instrumentalists, making it one of the largest swing bands currently touring the UK.
“Artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat ‘King’ Cole would often have a string section in the band when they recorded,” says Mike. “But these days, touring productions tend to reduce the band size to the bare minimum. We’ll have 30 musicians on stage, and every note is completely live.”
Aside from the vocals, saxophones and violins, audiences have been treated to trumpets, tubular bells and maracas – and sometimes even end up with percussion instruments themselves!
The orchestra serves up treats from the Great American Songbook, including covers of less-well-known numbers. This year’s setlist will include surprises from both camps.
“We love delving into the archives to find the best vintage music,” explains Mike. “There is so much beautiful music out there and we love bringing it back to life – whether it’s the comparatively unknown Louis Armstrong version of White Christmas, or a classic tune everyone knows like New York, New York.”
Audience members have raved about the show on social media: “Never been to anything like this before… and it is fabulous!” said one. Another praised the “fabulous orchestra, fabulous vocalists” and “superb arrangements”.
Down for the Count have sold out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The London Jazz Festival, Cadogan Hall, and many other prestigious venues. This year’s tour will be the largest yet, heading to 25 locations across the land.
It may be cold outside, but a night with the Down for the Count Swing Orchestra is guaranteed to leave audiences in the warm glow of the holiday spirit!
Quotes”Awesome!” – Michael Bublé “A truly heart-warming and joy-filled experience” – Reader’s Digest “A sonic ride back to the sounds of Capitol Studios in the 1950s” – DownBeat Magazine “A potential competitor to the John Wilson Orchestra” – Jazzwise Magazine
Tickets and more info https://www.downforthecount.co.uk/live-dates/swing-into-christmas/
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/WdUPwFlD8yY.