The Band
We strive to play the very best music we are capable of. We'll debate the little points, like a single note in a chord - and find solutions.
It’s who we are, and we are proud of it.
Featuring Ali Foyle on vocals and jazz violin, and Al Falkingham on guitar, the songs are given a new lease of life by the band, some with sounds reminiscent of the Django Reinhardt / Stephane Grappelli "Hot Club de Paris" era, while others are given a more gentle 'smooth jazz' treatment.
You'll also hear the odd Bossa Nova as the band extends its musical adventure into the 1950s world of Jobim.
With pulsating rhythms, swinging bass lines, soaring solos, and polished performances, the band will have your feet tapping along with these old favourites (the songs that is!)
Ali and the Swingcats
The band was initially formed as a quartet in early 2020 and managed one gig before lockdown! After a couple of years as a trio, the band now performs as a quartet again, calling on some of the best musical talent in Somerset.
We are delighted to be joined by Richard Llewellyn on guitar and Ron Phelan on bass.
Other players may join us from time to time.
ALI FOYLE
Violin and Vocals
Ali Foyle trained as a classical musician and has many years experience locally, both teaching and performing.
She is also a qualified Music Therapist working in a variety of settings.
Prompted by the need to improvise in her therapy work, she moved into the world of jazz and has never looked back. She loves the freedom it gives her as a musician!
She has studied gypsy jazz violin with the well-known Dutch violinist, Tim Kliphuis and performed throughout the South West with The Night Owls and Trio/Quartet Anglais. The Swing Cats was formed in 2021 to bring together her love of songs from The Great American Songbook with her Parisian swinging violin.
She takes the vocal lead on most songs, occasionally duetting with Al.
AL FALKINGHAM
Guitar and Vocals
Al has played guitar for over 50 years: a journey taking him through many musical genres from pop to blues, soul to rock, stage musicals to jazz.
He has performed on radio, TV, and featured on studio recordings and discovered his joy of jazz in his 30s.
With countless appearances in hundreds of venues from small private parties to mainstream Night Clubs and Ballrooms. he is usually found on backing vocals, but will occasionally take the lead.
Al plays a number of stringed instruments including bass and ukulele.
Performing for - and engaging with - audiences is a constant source of pleasure and enjoyment for him.
RICH LEWELLYN
Richard's jazz guitar playing style and sound have been developed over many years. He adds a warmth and mellowness to the overall band sound, often taking the lead guitar solos.
He's in great demand by many jazz groups and venues so we value his contribution greatly.... and he's a lovely bloke!
RON PHELAN
Ron's reputation as one of the UK's leading bass fiddle players is well earned.
Classically trained in music from a very young age in Dublin, Ireland, his solid tempo and well considered bass lines keep the band on track. You then need to hear him perform his solos!
... and if there's a joke to be had he's the one with the 'craic'.
