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The Kevin Fitzsimmons Swing Band / the Kevin Fitzsimmons Jazz band
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Under Kevin's leadership, the cream of British Jazz musicians are transformed into the 'Ultimate Swing/Jazz Band For Events' by his entralling interpretations, contemporary-meets-vintage style & lead-singer presence. Performing from a huge repertoire of the Great American Songbook (see Repertoire page) - made popular in the previous century by the legends of Swing & Jazz and more currently by artists like Michael Buble & Diana Krall - with a sprinkling of Latin or a swing/jazz re-arrangement of a pop classic makes them the perfect choice for any wedding, corporate event or party. Whether you're after a full dance floor, memorable background sets, superb over-dinner entertainment, or a wow-factor show, Kevin and his band deliver an unrivalled experience guaranteed to have your guests talking about it long into the future. Kevin Fitzsimmons Jazz is also much sought after for smooth dinner-jazz entertainment at drinks receptions, wedding breakfasts, garden parties and soirees. Performing smooth jazz standards - both with or without Kevin, or with a captivating female jazz chanteuse - they’re an event’s perfect finishing touch that will stay long in the memory of your guests. South of England based, Kevin & the band would be delighted to perform for you anywhere & at any size venue or event; all enquiries are sensibly priced according to date, times and location. |
The Band
Kevin’s band are high profile and award winning session musicians in their own right, and have performed with some of the biggest music legends of our time including Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Shirley Bassey, Elton John, Barbara Streisand, and too many other stars to list here. They’ve appeared on TV programmes such as The X-Factor, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Children in Need, The Paul O'Grady Show, Strictly Come Dancing, The South Bank Show, Parkinson, Top of the Pops and Later...with Jools Holland, and have performed everywhere from Ronnie Scott‘s to The Royal Albert Hall via the West End theatres, as well as at the major International Jazz Festivals. Celebrities worldwide and crowned heads of Europe are among the many who have enjoyed their wonderful talents.
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Our main band members are:-
Simon Colam - Piano:
Head of Jazz at The Purcell School for Young Musicians & teacher at The Royal Academy of Music, 'diverse' Simon is also the current pianist on ‘The X Factor’ (since series 1 at Boot Camp, Judges’ Homes, & the Master Classes backing stars such as Michael Buble, Robbie Williams, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Take That, Rod Stewart), and rehearsal pianist on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and Eurovision ‘Your Country Needs You‘.
Gareth Lockrane - Piano (& Flute):
Studied at London's Royal Academy of Music, Gareth was a finalist in the Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2000 and with ‘Grooveyard’ won Best European Jazz Group in 2003 in the Granada Jazz Festival. He was also voted ‘Rising Star’ in 2008's USA Downbeat Critics Poll.
"the formidable Lockrane...a stunning display” - John Fordham,The Guardian
“..Flute phenomenon!...” - Jack Massarick, London Evening Standard |
CLICK TO WATCH VIDEO |
Derek Nash - Saxophone:
A Saxophonist at the cutting edge of the British Jazz Movement, he has had many TV appearances as current full member of the Jools Holland Orchestra and has played everywhere from Ronnie Scotts to a 100,000 crowd at Glastonbury.
“Derek Nash is one the most versatile saxophonists in the UK today” - The Guardian
Alex Garnett - Saxophone:
Currently the semi-resident saxophonist at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Alex is without question one of the most in-demand UK session musicians & has worked with amongst others Van Morrison, Paul Weller , Humphrey Lyttleton, Ruby Turner and Jools Holland.
"Alex Garnett is one of Great Britain's most accomplished post-bop musicians" - AllAboutJazz
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Bobby Worth - Drums:
Master musician and headline drummer at Jazz Festivals as well as regular performances with Las Vegas legend Buddy Greco. His many TV appearances also include being part of megastar Barbra Streisand’s jazz quartet on BBC’s Jonathan Ross Show.. and as a ‘drumming Pudsey Bear’ for Children In Need’s Cadbury’s ‘drumming gorilla’ advert spoof. |
Mike Smith - Drums:
Sought after drummer on countless TV/Radio adverts and commercial recordings for, among others, Larry Adler, Sting, Elton John and the Spice Girls. Since the mid 90’s Mike has been the regular drummer to Dame Shirley Bassey, and for the BBC Big Band, BBC Radio Orchestra and the Syd Lawrence Orchestra.
Paul Morgan - Upright Bass:
Star bass player at Robbie Williams’ notable “Swing When You’re Winning” Royal Albert Hall concert. He’s performed with likes of Peggy Lee & Ronnie Scott himself, and as long term principal bass for the BBC Radio Orchestra; even bass players themselves are in awe of Paul’s phenomenal musicianship.
Dominic Howles - Upright Bass:
Studied Jazz & Studio Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Dominic has also works extensively on the British Jazz circuit, including Ronnie Scott’s & Jazz Festivals in Germany & Dubai. An ‘EastEnders favourite’ having performed at personal occasions for two high profile cast members of the show.
Dave Warren - Jazz Guitar:
Currently an examiner and visiting tutor at The Guildhall School of Music, examiner and accompanist at Trinity College of Music, and in demand session musician.
“Prize winning guitarist” - The Guardian
“Powerful guitar-led material by this exciting and fluent player” - Time Out
“Fluent guitarist leading a smart, versatile band through a lively mix of standards and originals” -The Times
Sid Gauld - Trumpet:
Past Incognito member who has performed on albums or live with likes of Paul McCartney, Tom Jones, Burt Bacharach, George Michael & Tina Turner to name a few.
Adam Linsley - Trumpet:
In demand player who’s performed/recorded with everyone from Bjork to Shirley Bassey via Jack Jones and is featured on adverts from Heineken to Hugo Boss.
Adrian Fry - Trombonist:
Recorded and toured as a member of Incognito and has played in many West End shows inc. The Rat Pack - Live from Las Vegas.
“The band is excellent, especially Adrian Fry” - The Observer
Booking Options
You can book any size of band, right up to a big band or orchestra; but if you were looking for a smaller band, a 4 piece (piano, drums, bass and saxophone) or 5 piece band (piano,drums bass, saxophone and trumpet) being the most popular option.
An hour set, a 2 x 45 minute set, or 2 x 1 hour set is usually performed, and to give your event the very best these options can be tailored to your requirements. Tasteful and appropriate dinner-jazz background music CD is played during any breaks.
Additional Extras
- Pre-performance smooth dinner-jazz standards on CD
- Finish off the evening dancing with an hour of party/disco music on CD.
Please complete the quick enquiry form on the Contact Page or telephone for further information. |