Viscount Entertainments Ltd ~ Jazz & Swing

Jazz & Swing

With over 200 Jazz Bands on our books we are regular suppliers for nationwide contracts for Shopping Centres, Town Centres, Major retail outlets such as Matalan, Mothercare, Homebase, Halfords, Homebase, Focus, Tesco, and Sainsbury as well as numerous Hotels and Corporate Functions.

Jazz

	Café Society
	Café Society is a four piece band specialising in Jazz, Dixieland and hot 20's music. Café Society will enhance any event . They are available acoustically or with full amplification and are presented in several different dress styles. As light background music they will set a happy tone. If playing during a meal, Café Society has proved to be an excellent aid to digestion. Weddings are another popular engagement, we would go as far to say that any wedding which hires Café Society can almost guarantee a more than successful day, reception and honeymoon! They can adapt to almost any event, from shopping centres, garden fetes, piers and grand openings to entertaining celebrities of stage and screen at The National Theatre, our blend of cheerful rhythmic tunes and expert professionalism never go unnoticed. They also have a Cabaret element. With a mixture of lively music, audience participation and devastating humour, They take you on a musical meander down memory lane with tributes to such stars as Al Jolson, Noël Coward and even George Formby. In short, Café Society is every band you will ever need (in our unbiased opinion!).

	Chicago Teddy Bears
	Acclaimed as one of the most entertaining bands in the UK, the Teddy Bears, with a repertoire ranging from Dixieland to New Oleans to Mainstream have thrilled audiences nationwide with their exhuberance and vitality.

	Cotton City Jazz Band
	The Cotton City Jazz Band has its origins in the 1950's when it performed regularly at the Brunswick Hotel in Bury. In those days, the leader of the band was trumpet player Doug Whaley. I managed a year or so with the band before being called-up for National Service in 1957. Since that time the Brunswick has been demolished and the musicians have gone their own ways. The band was re-formed in 1986, again with a sound and style based on the Armstrong All Stars of the 1950's and again Doug played trumpet. This band ceased playing in 1996 after a continuous 10 year run at the De La Salle Rugby Club in Salford. The name Cotton City lives on and is used to announce groups of various sizes put together by your host for, private functions and jazz venues. The full band has a fairly consistent seven piece line-up and is working the local jazz clubs with considerable success.

	The Dixie Kings
	Their exciting, entertaining jazz performances will certainly delight audiences with their flair and originality. They will perform the classic jazz standards from the 'golden' age of jazz and swing. These musicians are highly respected throughout the UK appearing at jazz festivals and jazz venues around the country, both as soloists and within the various 'just jazz' LINE-UPS. Play List includes; 'Way down yonder in New Orleans' 'Alexander's ragtime band' 'Ain't she sweet' 'Royal garden blues' 'Basin Street blues' 'Hello Dolly' 'Up a lazy river' 'When your smiling' 'Sweet Georgia Brown' 'The sunnyside of the street' 'Everybody loves my baby' 'Putting on the Ritz' 'China boy' 'Jazz me blues' 'Hello central, give me Dr. Jazz' 'When the Saints go marching in' any many more familiar 'Dixieland' classics.

	Eureka Jazz
	A mixture of traditional jazz, melodic tunes of the 20's and celebratory music to suit your needs.

	Gershwin Gang
	The Gershwin Gang Jazz Band is a British-based society jazz band with a large repertoire of jazz favourites. The band is ideal for receptions, dinners and dances, both private (weddings, birthdays, anniversaries) and corporate (exhibitions, product launches). Subscribing to the principle that the old songs really are the best, the Manhattan-style jazz trio specialises in the well-known jazz songs from the 1920s and 1930s written by the Gershwin brothers, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and others, and made popular by Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and Sinatra. The band's basic trio line-up consists of piano/vocals (Selwyn Dorfman), double bass (Paul Stoloff) and drums, occasionally supplemented by Brigitte Escobar as guest vocalist and/or George Galway on saxophone/clarinet/flute. The Gershwin Gang Jazz Band also present a lively and entertaining outdoor show set, suitable for town and county shows and festivals. The Gershwin Gang Jazz Band is available for engagements throughout the U.K. and Europe (sometimes at short notice). The band's basic trio line-up consists of piano/vocals (Selwyn Dorfman), double bass (Paul Stoloff) and drums, occasionally supplemented by Brigitte Escobar as guest vocalist and/or George Galway on saxophone/clarinet/flute. The Gershwin Gang Jazz Band also present a lively and entertaining outdoor show set, suitable for town and county shows and festivals. The Gershwin Gang Jazz Band is available for engagements throughout the U.K. and Europe (sometimes at short notice).

	Harmony Hounds
	Excellent four piece jazz band playing jazz and dance music of the 1920's.

	The Jazzberries
	The Jazzberries are one of the best known jazz bands in the UK, constantly in demand for their vibrant performances and unique sense of style. Since 1996 their reputation has led to performances at Buckingham Palace, Sir Elton John’s mansion and No 10 Downing Street. They regularly perform at festivals including the Marlborough and Edinburgh jazz festivals and at jazz venues such as London’s Pizza on the Park. As a ‘Pick of the Fringe’ they played live on BBC Radio during the 2004 Edinburgh Festival and were invited to perform at the 2006 Wellington Festival in New Zealand.

	Just Jazz
	Just Jazz is an ideal band for entertainment and dance music. They draw their lively music programme from the swing era of the 30's and 40's. The music is great for dancing, plus exciting to listen to. Their stage presence and music performances are of the highest standard, ensuring the success of any event, or special occasion. Play list includes; 'night and day' 'a nightingale sang in berkley square' 'pennies from heaven' 'satin doll' 'girl from ipanema' 'fly me to the moon' 'summertime' 'the nearness of you' 'it had to be you' 'have you met miss jones' 'georgia on my mind' 'moonglow' 'ain't misbehavin' 'take the 'a' train' 'east of the sun' 'strike up the band' 's'wonderful'.

	Northern Jazz Orchestra
	Exciting british big band playing contemporary jazz with male and female vocalists, the band performs mainly concert jazz and festivals but have also branched out to dinners, promotional work, private functions etc.

	Poles Apart
	Poles Apart Musical stilt company has a theme to suit all occasions, such as Scurvy Sea Dogs (Pirates), Dead Victorians, Sgt Peppers, Medieval Minstrels, Imperial British Soldiers, Punch and Judy, Tip Top Toffs (1920's Jazz band) and Santa's Winterland band. Instrumentation is sousaphone, banjo, saxes, trombone, percussion. 2 piece walkabout or 3-6 piece stilt band.

	Red Rose Brass Band
	Traditional new Orleans style marching band, usually consists of 8 members plus a Grand marshal. Ideal for parades and outside events.

	Societe Promenaders
	The SOCIÉTÉ PROMENADERS early in the year 2004, resulting from smaller bands led by Colin Ball including 'Chicago Classic' and 'Cafe Society'. The aim of the band, which consists of two saxes, Cornet, Trombone, Piano, Sousaphone, Guitar/Banjo and a vocalist, is to re-create the sound of the 1920's which became known as 'Hot Dance'. These bands played intricate arrangements of popular songs with 'hot' solos, many by famous players such as Bix Beiderbeck, Frank Trumbauer, Benny Goodman, Jimmy Dorsey etc. Many of the giants of the swing era cut their teeth in earlier bands such as Ted Lewis and Paul Whiteman. By 1930 things were changing fast. The Brass Bass was dropped in favour of the String Bass; arrangements became simpler and for a time the hot solos were less prevalent. This situation remained until the beginning of the swing era in the mid 1930's. Between 1920 and 1930 dance bands reached their musical zenith, arrangers were free to experiment and invented a brand new style of playing, a style that modern musicians, with new instrument and mouthpiece designs, find difficult to master. With perseverance, the joys of playing of playing this music are revealed. The SOCIÉTÉ PROMENADERS rehearse weekly to master new arrangements that appear at regular intervals.

	Slammers Maximum Jive Band
	Formed in 2004, the Slammers Maximum Jive Band embarked on a whirlwind journey, fusing a high energy mix of swinging, rocking, jump jive'n boogie into a wild show packed with fun, excitement, and great music! Highlights so far include live shows from London's 100 Club to Planet Music in Athens, Festival Appearances on the Southbank, at Kinsale Jazz Festival, Ireland, and Warrington's BluesFest, and the first CD!

	A Swinging Affair
	On his travels throughout this country and abroad Ray has been asked many times by clients and audiences alike what are his influences in music, and to Ray the most inspiring perfeormer he has ever seen is Frank Sinatra. He could hold an audience in the palm of his hand, with the songs, the arrangements and just the pure magic of his performance. But from that wonderful swing era of the 40's to today there has been a wealth of excellent singers. So for all those fans of swing and big band music Ray has put together the show called "A Swinging Affair". From Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy David Jnr, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin to our own Matt Munro, of whom Sinatra said "that guy can sing"-praise indeed. To the new kid on the block, Michael Buble, with his new arrangements of some great old standards like A Foggy Day, Sway, Summer Wind, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, Come Fly With Me, Under My Skin etc. So if you want to put swing into your special event this is the show for you.

	Tees Valley Jazzmen
	Unsurpassed swinging dixieland jazz band from the North East.

	Tom Roberts
	One of Yorkshire's best and well known jazz bands.

	Winstons Pennine Jazz Band
	Flexible line up suitable for all occasions.

Swing Bands & Artists

	Chris Smith and his String of Pearls
	Chris Smith and his string of Pearls are fast growing in popularity. Their strength is their ability to move with the times. They will create a lively party atmosphere with a programme ranging from Glen Miller and Frank Sinatra through to the Swinging Sixties to up to date chart hits from stars such as M People, Kylie Minogue, Michael Jackson, Weathergirls, Tom Jones plus many more.

	Dave Hollington
	Superb Rat Pack performer singing the hits of Sinatra, sammy davis junior and Dean Martin.

	Ding Dong Daddies
	4 piece Jump Jive Swing Band.

	Dominic Halpin and the Honey Bs
	It's hard to compare Dominic to anyone, but waiter if you please… "Two shots of Dean Martin croon, a slice of Frank Sinatra swing, blend that together with a healthy dash of good old Elvis ..."Bang! you have it - a unique and exciting floor show likened to a Bobby Darin of today. Add to the mix the pure nostalgic tones of saxophone weilding wingman Nigel McGill and things prepare for liftoff! When the music starts swingin' there's no stopping these two, but don't stand too close - these guys need room to move when things start shakin'. Dominic, Nigel and the Honey B's deliver a first class show every time, with tunes from Sinatra to Louis Prima, Ella Fitzgerald to Elvis - great tunes, great interpretations, a truly great act that is sure to wow anyone lucky enough to catch a live performance. ...Waiter make mine a double…..Shaken AND Stirred!

	Five Star Swing
	Experienced in all types of functions and Stage Shows, with excellent vocalists and musicians. Five Star Swing create the vibrant sound of the Big Band era. Style is added to every performance from an exciting repertoire, featuring songs from Frank Sinatra, Natalie Cole, Glenn Miller and Jazz favourites, through to modern day artistes - Robbie Williams, Jamie Cullum and Jools Holland.

	Frank Forde
	Frank spent many years on cruise ships and performs an excellent cabaret show featuring the hits of artists such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, A1 jolson, Frankie Vaughan, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, Barry Manilow etc.

	Johnny Fontane Jnr
	Young man with a big future singing the hits of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darrin and Tony Bennett

	Phil Fryer
	Sinatra Soundalike and Lookalike Phil Fryer is fast becoming a Cabaret sensation since forming his own live backing band to do it his way. With publicity shots that show his uncanny resemblance to the young FRANCIS ALBERT SINATRA, and a new demo-disc, the singer is reeling from the response. Booked to appear at venues all over England, Phil and his Trio made their overseas debut on tour in the Middle East (DUBAI), the tour was filmed by Yorkshire Television and made into a 30 minute Documentary, shown on T.V.at Christmas, called JUST TO BE FRANK. this was a big leap for Phil covering his career from Karaoke to Cabaret. He has had numerous Radio and T.V appearences and also now appears in a book, named 'Morley Entertainers'.Phil has many forthcoming engagements to look forward to, with his Big Band, Quintet and Trio.Available for T.V. Walk-on’s, Guest Appearance’s, Weddings, Corporate Events etc to make your occasion a very memorable one!

	David G Hollington
	DAVID G HOLLINGTON is the Rat Pack rolled into one great singer and has found his niche singing his favourites from Cole Porter, Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole.He is a solo artist who has earned his accolades through playing at prestigious London clubs such as the famous Ronnie Scotts and The Marquee Club. Based in Warrington.

	Just Jazz
	Excellent swing band with a flexible line up to suit most budgets.

	King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys
	One of the most popular Jazz and Swing Bands in the country. Great instrumental ability. Midlands based..

	Mark Gillbank Swing Band
	Good quality swing band offering a flexible line up.

	Steve Mac
	Solo vocalist with PA and lights, singing a range of songs from the jazz swing era. Not wanting to be a soundalike but creating his own style of tribute to such greats as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis and Tony Bennett.

	Paul Martin
	Excellent one man Rat Pack show based in the North East.

	Midnight List
	Midnight List are a Jazz Swing band based in the Central UK and have been on the Jazz scene for many years. Our band members have performed with greats such as Humphrey Lyttleton, Sandy Shaw, Digby Fairweather, Tommy Burton, The Max Collie Rhythm Aces, Ken Colyer, Cy Laurie, Roy Williams, Alan Barnes, Barry Martyn and Bruce Adams, to name but a few. Playing our interpretations of the highly popular, Jazz and Swing standards from the Great American Songbook. The timeless songs, of Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and other great songwriters, made famous by Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and Nat King Cole ... We are available for a wide range of Jazz and Swing functions and venues, including: Cabaret · Corporate Jazz Events · Evening Wedding Jazz · Parties · Dinner Jazz · Jazz at Sports Awards Ceremonies · Wedding reception Jazz · Conferences with Jazz and Swing · Exhibitions · Wedding Breakfast Jazz and swing · Jazz at Product Launches · Evening Jazz at Seminars · Cruises with a Jazz theme.

	Nice 'n' Easy
	Male & female duo singing Rat Pack/Swing style. Ideal either as background or full cabaret show. If required, can do a party spot, Elvis, Motown, Rock 'n Roll. Very versatile and good quality act.

	Frankie Novak
	Frankie has been singing Sinatra and Rat Pack genre songs and entertaining audiences for more than ten years. As well as the songs of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis and Dean Martin, Frankie performs songs by Matt Monro, Nat King Cole and Tony Bennett.

	Quintessential
	Excellent quality jazz/swing band for background music.

	Rat Pack	The Rat Pack Is Back
	The Rat Pack Is Back is Britain's premier cabaret and longest running Rat Pack tribute show. Fully rehearsed, the show has successfully toured venues throughout the UK and Europe for over eight years. Past bookings include...The Dorchester Hotel, The Cafe Royal, Gleneagles Golf Club, Wentworth Golf Club, Kensington Palace, Alexandra Palace, The Sporting Club of Monte Carlo, and the Limelight Theatre, Cologne. In addition to this, the show is a regular attraction at Theatres, Casinos, Hotels, Holiday Centres and Universities in all parts of the country. A Corporate favourite, The Rat Pack Is Back regularly entertains clients such as Ernst & Young, Hitachi, Birmingham City Football Club and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Private functions also feature heavily in The Rat Pack Is Back packed schedule, in fact there is no function that The Rat Pack Is Back team can't tailor their show for. Apart from the outstanding production values of the show, it is the sheer flexibility and unique choice of scale performers that makes The Rat Pack Is Back the number one choice when booking entertainment for every aspect of the business.

	James Selfridge
	James Selfridge has the accolade of being the only British performer to co-star in the American production of "Frank,Dean and Sammy live in concert". It takes a special kind of talent to do justice to a legend - and James can do this with ease. His stage presence and excellent vocal ability create the pure showbiz magic of Ol' Blue Eyes himself. James singing the music of Frank Sinatra displays all the exceptional talent, style and poise inherent in this performer. He possesses an excellent vocal range, coupled with the right amount of sincerity, confidence and stage presence to effortlessly project the unique style that is indeed the best tribute that could ever be paid to the great man himself.

	Russell Shaun
	One of the classiest Jazz/Swing singers in the business covering the hits of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis jnr, Bobby Darin etc. Can be booked as a solo artist or with a live band.

	Simply Swing
	Simply Swing is an exciting small band specialising in the finest Jazz and Easy Listening Music, played at a sensible volume. You will hear a selection of songs evoking nostalgic glimpses of a more glamorous past from composers such as Gershwin, Porter and Berlin; to Sinatra and the Rat Pack years, right up to Stevie Wonder and Jamie Cullum, played with style and sophistication from this superbly presented band.

	Sinatra-My Way
	A wonderfully accurate tribute to Sinatra from Stars in your Eyes winner Fred Gardner.

	The Swing Commanders
	The Swing Commanders mix 30's, 40.s and 50.s, Jump Jive, Latin, Pop and Western Swing to sensational effect, fronted by brilliant vocalist, Peter Riley, this is a highly entertaining band with an original twist.

	The Vegas Giants
	This sensational band will take you on a sparkling musical journey recapturing the glamour of the golden age of the Las Vegas cabaret lounges.The legendary heavyweights of entertainment - Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peggy Lee, Nat ‘King’ Cole, Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Louis Prima, Judy Garland, Louis Armstrong, Matt Monro, Ray Charles and, of course, The Rat Pack - will be saluted in this classic black-tie evening. Complete with anecdotes of their illustrious careers, dance or listen at your pleasure. With an extensive repertoire, The Vegas Giants will swing their way through such stellar standards as: Come Fly With Me, Chicago, Mack The Knife, Beyond The Sea, Fly Me To The Moon, Lady Is A Tramp, Buena Sera, More, I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Mr Bojangles, Volare, I Wanna Be Around, Misty, Happy Heart, The Way You Look Tonight, Sway. This Guy’s In Love, Music To Watch Girls By and many many more - the kind of music which has no expiration date and is always cool, current and hip. Make your event special and let the Vegas Giants do full justice to the elegance and verve of this halcyon period of popular music. Ideal for Weddings, Product Launches, Corporate Events & all social occasions.