“Our aim is that when audiences leave, they feel like they know us and that they’ll come back and see us again.” Top UK swing orchestra Down for the Count is returning to Cadogan Hall with an iconic show on 12 October. Lovers of the golden era of jazz are in for a treat, as ‘Down for the Count’ include a 12-piece string section alongside the regular big band. Preview feature by Tara Minton.
“We are doing something that we don’t think many other people are doing at the moment” says musical director, Mike Paul-Smith on touring with strings. “So many of the great records had a string section. It provides this lovely cushion for the rest of the music.”
Of course, finding the right string players for such a project is crucial to the integrity of the music.
“You can have orchestrally trained classical players come and play this music and maybe not quite understand it and get to the heart of it, but our players really do love it and they really do specialize in it.”
Infact, all members of ‘Down for the Count’ are hand-picked by Paul-Smith for their love of the music and their dedication to recreating the authentic sound of the iconic big bands of the past.
“So many of the great records had a string section. Anyone who loves the Capitol Studio repertoire from the 50’s will love our band!”
The set list will feature detailed transcriptions of old classics, like Sinatra’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin alongside fresh new arrangements of well-loved standards. As musical director, the majority of the charts are transcribed and arranged by Paul-Smith, though trumpet player and assistant conductor Simon Joyner contributes an arrangement or two. When asked about his favourite arrangers, Paul-Smith says
“I’m bit of a romantic at heart. Gorden Jenkins (Nat King Cole)is my favourite, but Nelson Riddle (Sinatra) is the one I couldn’t live without.”
Of course, swinging horns and lush strings wouldn’t be complete without a great jazz vocalist or two to deliver classics like Luck be a Lady, Girl from Ipanema and S’Wonderful. Fronting the orchestra are three top shelf UK singers: Lydia Bell, Marvin Muoneké and Callum Gillies.
Paul-Smith and the original members of ‘Down for the Count’ met in Buckinghamshire at the Aylesbury Music Centre during high school.
“We were incredibly lucky. Music was something that so many people did and it was just an inspiring place to be.”
Paul-Smith speaks warmly of the “tireless, dedicated music teachers” who gave up their time – often for free – to run thelocal ensembles.
“Without doing that there’s not a chance that I would have thought it’s something that I can do.”
The success of local music services and their impact on the cultural life of the UK is evident in the roll-call of great artists who have come up through their ranks over the years.
“It’s really important that the arts aren’t pushed aside. There is so much that people can learn and they’re such an important outlet.”
Perhaps the greatest joy of ‘Down for the Count’ is not in their dazzling, detailed arrangements or their worldclass musicality, but in the comradery of the musicians on stage. Paul-Smith not only conducts the orchestra (“I have the best seat in the house!”), but compères the live shows as well, creating a real “sense of occasion.” In sharing historical anecdotes and “the odd story of the bands past, because we’ve been together so long”, Paul-Smith and the band create a familiar atmosphere unusual of large-scale jazz orchestras.
“Our aim is that when audiences leave, they feel like they know us and that they’ll come back and see us again.”
Audiences across the UK will have plenty of opportunity to see the Orchestra this year. ‘Down for the Count’ have an ambitious 26-date Christmas tour, beginning on the 17th of November at Eden Court, Inverness, and ending once again at Cadogan Hall on 28 December for their annual festive extravaganza, ‘Swing Into Christmas.’ When asked about the preparation for such a large-scale production, the ever-down-to-earth Paul-Smith says with a laugh
“I do spreadsheets!”
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‘Down for the Count Swing Orchestra’ play at Cadogan Hall on the 12th of October. For their full tour schedule and tickets, visit https://www.downforthecount.co.uk/
