Big Bands

The Carlton Big Band

A fantastic fifteen-piece band made up of four trumpets, three trombones, five saxophones, keyboard, bass and drums; 16-piece when a guest vocalist is included. This band features the cream of South West jazz musicians. Vocalists include Elaine herself and one of a select few guest artists, typically in the 'rat-pack' idiom.

The band plays Big Band jazz from the 30's to the present day including charts played by all the great Big Bands, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Woody Herman, and Stan Kenton through to Phil Collins Big Band charts.

Ellingtonia

Ellingtonia is an eight-piece band playing the music of Duke Ellington, the greatest composer of the swing era.

The music - from the 20s, 30s and 40s - ranges from driving dance numbers to beautiful ballads, from exotic mood pieces to dreamy blues. The repertoire includes Perdido, Caravan, Satin Doll, Mood Indigo and I'm Beginning To See the Light.

With their line up of two saxes, trumpet, trombone, rhythm section and female vocalist, Ellingtonia makes a big sound. Not just another jazz band, their unique arrangements have been specially created to do justice to this extraordinary music.

Black Beauty mp3

The Sam Eliot Big Band

Based in Exeter this 16-piece band is one of the top Big Bands in the South West. Playing a mixture of classic Big Band music from Duke Ellington and Count Basie to Buddy Rich & Thad Jones and featuring Penny Smith on vocals.