40s Bands and Singers
The wartime 40s and immediate post-war years heralded a step change from the 40s era generally more lavish and ostentatious approach of the pre-war decades. The glamour and the glitz was replaced by the rich velvety tones of masters including Cole Porter, Fats Waller and Duke Ellington and unforgettable standards such as 'The Lady is a Tramp and 'As Time Goes By.'
The 40's also witnessed the birth of the 'Big Band sound and Glenn Miller was most definitely 'In the Mood' and the dance halls across the land were jumping to the sights and sounds of the jive and the jitterbug. With a rich seam of modern day talent dedicated to keeping the sound of the fabulous 40's alive we can ensure your proceedings go with a swing and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
40s Bands and Singers Overview
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Formed in 1988 in conjunction with Glenn Miller Productions of New York. They have maintained the exact line-up on stage devised by Glenn, consisting of the leader, five saxophones, four trumpets, four trombones and three rhythm, plus a male and female vocalist. The singers perform both individually and as part of The Moonlight Serenades vocal group. The Uptown Hall Gang - an outstanding Dixieland group drawn from members of the orchestra is also featured.
The bands library comprises of more that 200 scores, many of them from the original library, which includes the great arrangements from both the civilian and Army/Air Force orchestras.
King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys
Rough, Tough and always Rocking, the legendary King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys zany stage show sometimes belies the fact that here is the finest, most authentic Rhythm & Blues Band ever to come from outside the USA. Their unique mix of 1940s Kansas City Jazz and Blues is presented with the most exciting stage performance. Show-stealing performances at Jazz, Blues and even rock festivals are regular events. The band consistently broke all Box Office records at Ronnie Scotts Birmingham.
Memphis Belle Orchestra
Formed originally for the David Puttman movie 'Memphis Belle'. But the impact of the orchestra and the atmosphere they recreated was so great that bandleader Greg Francis decided to seek permission from both Warner Brothers and the Memphis Belle Memorial Association in Memphis, to continue using the name under licence, and take the Orchestra out on the road as a working memorial to the 8th American Army Air Force.
Although the orchestra play a side selection of favourites, (there isn't a tune in the programme that people should not recognise) they provide a nice balance between the music of Glenn Miller and other great orchestras of the era, such as, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Harry James, Artie Shaw and the great Benny Goodman. The orchestra retain the uniform and the band insignia of the 8th A.A.F., and the stage is dressed in large American and British Flags with the large badge of the 8th A.A.F. taking centre place.
Mike James Sound
Take first class musicians under the leadership of Personality Band Leader Mike James and you have the ingredients for a superb evenings entertainment. Mike is a worthy successor to fill the shoes of Billy Cotton. Based in the North West Mike's Band have entertained a leading corporate functions, played at most major Holiday Centres, fulfilled Cruise contracts for major cruise liners and enjoyed several highly successful seasons at the Tower Ballroom, Blackpool.
Mike presents an evening of non-stop 40s Swing and Jazz dance hits and will also include anything from Tina Turner, Cher and The Spice Girls, Michael Jackson and Chubby Checker to the Blues Brothers if required.
Tony Evans and his Orchestra
In a career spanning over 25 years, Tony Evans has climbed to the peak of the Big Band Scene delivering the latest Swing, Latin American, Strict Tempo and some of the lastest chart hits.
Tony, along with his Orchestra, has just completed his eighth year at the Monte Carlo Sporting Club and Casino Cabaret, where not only has he provided music for dancing, but also backing for New York and International Artistes, such as Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, The Temptations, Diana Ross, Donna Summer and Barry White plus many more.
