Hey Dan!

I play/work steady with three different groups, and every last one of them plays selected material in the "swing idiom".. but .. the one that plays 80% in that style/feel is "The Sounds of Frank" which is a show that features the style/phrasing of "old blue eyes", Frank Sinatra. That said... the next one is on the 17th of February at Infinity Music Hall in Norfolk, CT., which is of course next week. Here's a link to their page/promo for the gig: http://www.infinityhall.com/events/the-sounds-of-frank-%e2%80%93-the-ultimate-tribute-to-the-ultimate-crooner-frank-sinatra/ If you were able to come on out it would be great! THANKS for the interest regardless!

Tommyp

Tommy: You look distracted in the close up!?

Nah... not distracted... I was looking at the piano player as his music had just fallen off the stand, but he grabbed it before it hit the ground. Kinda funny actually, and talented! I do appreciate your scrutiny however Mr. Mania! LOL!!

Tommyp

A former drum teachers band.... I don't think they are killing it(that is not getting rich) or anything but I know he really enjoyed playing in it and talked about it all the time.. http://www.sttbigband.com/ Swing is the Thing...

He taught lessons in the middle school bandroom.... and after listening to one of his eight graders warming up on the kit... I realized my drumming ship had sailed.. it's all just for fun from here on out. :)

Have a look, you might get some ideas.

Now these guys http://www.jazzartsgroup.org/columbus-jazz-orchestra/ are flat out amazing.

+1 on the Columbus Jazz Orchestra ... makes me proud to be from there.

Louie Bellson guested with them like 30 years ago. Still one of the finest shows I've ever seen from any genre. And he was such a nice guy afterward.

Not dead, just difficult to find anything decent. Around here, the promoters sold the bars and venues on the idea that punk and metal will consistantly bring people in, which it does to an extent. Swing, big band, rockabilly, blues to some extent...people starting off don't tend to push towards these idioms or genres because it's difficult to play and finding a smaller local show is difficult. Let's face it, not many of us can cover three states numerous times a month, so we rely on local stuff to satisfy the need. Also...unless you are a little more advanced in years and skills, finding a group to start a big band would be difficult. Lots of road blocks for young aspiring musicians. Why do you think I played punk/metal for so many years?

Another thing is, swing, big band...these typically have strong drummers with great chops which would draw our collective attention (being drummers)...so perhaps to us it isn't dead because we would tune into it having that interest. Your promoter buddy on the other hand...maybe not so much.

I would see a place like Chicago having a bit of everything. I know Chicago is still THE place to play the blues. A few of my friends have a rockabilly/swing band that plays somewhat regularly around the area...for the most part they are all car nuts and greasers and they really like that style of music. It gets the crowd moving, both young and old. How can you say no to that?!?!?

Ummm.... Michael Buble has done quite well out of it recently, and presumably to a more younger audience.

Also Robbie Williams had a big hit with his swing album, and I think Rod Stewart recently did one too.

I realise these are established artist, but it goes to show that even from a ground up perspective, there is still a place in the industry for it.

I loved playing in Big Bands when I was younger, I learnt most of my musical discipline and control through it.

Gary, I can't name one swing band but I can name Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, the music that you shared with us a little while back. Hopefully, you snap out of this rut and get back to causing permanent hearing loss to the masses, with the music that makes the world go round!

If not, then best of luck, obviously, with this new direction.

Another one goes to the dark side.................:( LOL.

Seriously, good luck with whatever style of music keeps you young! I had to at least try to keep a head banger head-bangin!!............:)

Hey Tommy P. I will try to keep track of that gig, though unfortunately the very next one is probably not going to be a good time.

Nice pic of you on stage, and the drummer looks almost as sharp as the drums! Of course, who would want to upstage a set of Rogers in WMP (unless of course it was one in red onyx. :))

Seriously though, the whole gig looks great and can't wait to hear it live.