The current band has traveled a long musical route from its inception as a 10 piece in the early 1990’s by original band members Roger, Phil and Tony. Then, as today, the aim was to work on quality swing band concert arrangements, and gather American song book classical charts.

Gradually, the desire to create a full section swing band became overwhelming, if only to properly meet the challenge of full blown big band arrangements. With hard work and serendipity this was achieved some 5 years ago.

A key event was attracting Pat Bayliss (trombone) to the band and persuading him to become musical director as well as leading the trombone section. A professional musician of wide experience (the Services, Friday Night is Music Night, Pebble Mill at One, Sarah Vaughan backing groups, Al Martino tours, currently Fat Chops – the list is endless), his ear and tact has taken the band to a level where the band can confidently tackle challenging West Coast arrangements.

The current personnel are an eclectic mix of professional, semi-professional and talented amateur musicians.

In our saxophone section, led by Alison Bryant, we are fortunate to include some past and present lady members of the National Saxophone Choir. The first trumpet chair is shared between Patrick Hogan (who also finds time to run his own band) and Alan Jones who is ex MYJO. Tony Crofts (drums), whose c.v goes back to the Cavern Club Liverpool with the well respected Merseysippi Jazz Band, brings the driving flavour of his mentor Buddy Rich to the band.

Phil Bawn, a founder member, when not venting a tenor sax solo, carries off vocals Frank Sinatra–style.

Guest female vocalists have included Louise Johnson, Lynne Dawes, Nicole Warfield, Anne Rehmany