Swing into Christmas with Down For The Count in Nottingham
The Down for the Count Swing Orchestra are set to hit the road again later this year with their much-loved show Swing Into Christmas!
Mixing fresh arrangements of both festive and non-festive classics with the band’s signature wit and flair, this show has become an annual tradition for music fans all over the country.
Formed in 2005 and directed by conductor and compère Mike Paul-Smith, the 30-piece “big-band with strings” comprises some of the nation’s top vocalists and instrumentalists, making it one of the largest swing bands currently touring the UK.
Mike said: “Artists like Frank Sinatra and Nat ‘King’ Cole would often have a string section in the band when they recorded.
"But these days, touring productions tend to reduce the band size to the bare minimum.
"We’ll have 30 musicians on stage, and every note is completely live.”
Aside from the vocals, saxophones and violins, audiences have been treated to trumpets, tubular bells and maracas – and sometimes even end up with percussion instruments themselves.
The orchestra serves up treats from the Great American Songbook, including covers of less-well-known numbers.
This year’s setlist will include surprises from both camps.
Mike continued: “We love delving into the archives to find the best vintage music.
"There is so much beautiful music out there and we love bringing it back to life – whether it’s the comparatively unknown Louis Armstrong version of White Christmas, or a classic tune everyone knows like New York, New York.”
The show comes to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on December 22.
Visit trch.co.uk or call 0115 9895555 for tickets.