Swing Unlimited
Encyclopedia
Swing Unlimited is a community based Big Band
, and is unique in British
Jazz
in that it is totally self-funding, receiving no grant of any kind, making it a true community band that is being run by the community. The band is led very much in the style of Loose Tubes
, rehearsing in the round where any member of the band can direct at any one time. The Musical Director function is shared between members of the band to allow their individual skills to improve the standard. Currently, Julian Whitehead, James Stead and Richard Curren predominately share the duty. Regularly performing at Highcliffe Castle.
Trumpets:Kevin Courage, Vicky Boyle, Pat Peiro, Jonathan Payne,
Trombones: Julian Whitehead, Richard Curren, Jenny Fellowes, Colin Williams
Rhythm Section: James Stead (Keys), Andy Pitt (Bass), Chris Panaretou (Guitar), Jon Foulds and Alan Elliot (drums and percussion)
SUBB carried out a recording project in conjunction with music students of Lytchett Minster School.
International and local charities such as the Rotary Club, but to get into local schools, providing workshops and joint events that help young people to see that keeping music live is very important. One of the aims of SUBB is to get out into local schools about three times a year.
Big band
A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era typically consisting of rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately twelve to twenty-five musicians...
, and is unique in British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
in that it is totally self-funding, receiving no grant of any kind, making it a true community band that is being run by the community. The band is led very much in the style of Loose Tubes
Loose Tubes
Loose Tubes was a British jazz big band/orchestra active during the mid-to-late 1980s. Critically and popularly acclaimed, the band was considered to bethe focal point of a 1980s renaissance in British jazz...
, rehearsing in the round where any member of the band can direct at any one time. The Musical Director function is shared between members of the band to allow their individual skills to improve the standard. Currently, Julian Whitehead, James Stead and Richard Curren predominately share the duty. Regularly performing at Highcliffe Castle.
Formation of the Band
Swing Unlimited Big Band was formed in late 2001 by various musicians including David Wilkinson. Both wanted to play upbeat and interesting big band music- with maybe a hint of nostalgia but felt the opportunities to do so in Dorset were somewhat limited.Current Line-up
Saxophones: Karen Pitt, Nick Studdert-Kennedy, Magnus MacKie, Penny Bishop, Rebecca ScullyTrumpets:Kevin Courage, Vicky Boyle, Pat Peiro, Jonathan Payne,
Trombones: Julian Whitehead, Richard Curren, Jenny Fellowes, Colin Williams
Rhythm Section: James Stead (Keys), Andy Pitt (Bass), Chris Panaretou (Guitar), Jon Foulds and Alan Elliot (drums and percussion)
Discography
- Swing Unlimited Big Band (album) ,(SUBB Records, December 2009)
SUBB carried out a recording project in conjunction with music students of Lytchett Minster School.
Education and Outreach
One of the aims of SUBB as a community band is to not only provide outreach to the community in terms of charity events for organisations like the SoroptimistSoroptimist
Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International is a world-wide volunteer service organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world...
International and local charities such as the Rotary Club, but to get into local schools, providing workshops and joint events that help young people to see that keeping music live is very important. One of the aims of SUBB is to get out into local schools about three times a year.