Five Star Swing

Favourite Big Band melodies will fill the Queen’s Theatre stage when Five Star Swing come to town on Saturday 4 October at 2.30pm.

Led by Chris Smith, whose father worked with Frank Sinatra, and his wife Simone, this energetic, multi-talented six-piece band promise to get feet tapping along to the swing era’s most popular hits.

Five Star Swing is part of the Queen’s Magical Matinees series and their colourful repertoire will include In the Mood and American Patrol by Glenn Miller, the legendary swing bandleader, trombonist and arranger; Sing, Sing, Sing by famous clarinettist Benny Goodman, also known as the King of the Swing; Frank Sinatra’s Lady is a Tramp; Mr Bojangles, made popular by Sammy Davis Junior and Jim Croce’s Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.

Chris Smith, who plays the piano and trumpet, grew up surrounded by Big Band music, thanks to his father, Chris Smith Snr, playing trombone with Frank Sinatra on his European tours. Chris’s compositions and arrangements are often played by BBC Radio Big Band, Jazz FM and Capital Radio. He has appeared on BBC Breakfast TV, Top of the Pops, at London’s prestigious Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, The Royal Variety Show and even in the Michael Caine film Silver Bears. He has also toured extensively with the Herb Miller Orchestra (brother to Glenn) and played in Jazz festivals across the world.

Simone, who sings and plays lead alto saxophone, has performed with well-known names such as John Williams, the Ivy Benson Show Band, famous for being one of the first all-girl big bands, and the New Squadronaires Orchestra, which goes back to World War II. She has also performed on the Paul Merton TV Show.

Chris says: “It’s great that there‘s a strong resurgence in Jazz and Swing music enjoyed by all generations. I’ve been brought up with this style of music thanks to my father’s work and one of my personal favourites is Mr Bojangles.  We’re looking forward to bringing Swing music back to town!”

Five Star Swing performs at the Queen’s Theatre, Billet Lane, Hornchurch on Saturday 4 October at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £12. To book, call the Box Office on 01708 443333. For further information, visit www.queens-theatre.co.uk or www.myspace.com/fivestarswing