The Music

The Great American Songbook refers to songs written largely for musical theatre and films by composers such as George and Ira Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and Jerome Kern.  Fred and Ginger brought many of these songs to life on screen.

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong's versions also became international favourites.  It was, after all, the pop music of that generation!

Our set list also contains a smattering of Parisian Swing. This music is often referred to as Gyspy Jazz / 'Hot Club' and was made famous by Django Reinhardt and swinging violinist, Stephane Grappelli.

A little bit of history repeating itself ...  FANCY DRESS ?

The social and political background to this music can be difficult to comprehend: it spans the end of the First World War, the 1930's great recession, 'prohibition' and racially segregated societies in the USA at the time.  It also includes the second world war in Europe and beyond. 

In terms of fashion and style, this era went from Art Nouveau to Art Deco.  Post World War II styles went from "Coupons to Couture".

Famous and infamous names of this era are...  Bonnie & Clyde, The Great Gatsby, Al Capone, Emelia Earhert ... and even Mickey Mouse. The recent TV series 'Peaky Blinders' is also part of this period when style,  commerce and music underwent amazing transformations.

So if you're going to come along in FANCY DRESS (which we hope you will) you should have lots to inspire you!

The tunes we play...

Here's a selection of some of our tunes. If you have a favourite you want us to play we'd love to do that for you. But PLEASE let us know in plenty of time before the gig.