Our big band features graduates of top London conservatoires, performing in traditional big band format (5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, 4 rhythm) plus anything from 1 to 4 vocalists.
The Down for the Count Big Band is a stunning vintage swing ensemble, who transport you back to the Swing Era with authentic re-creations of the best music of the 1930s and 1940s.
The band performs the music of the great American big bands – concentrating on the repertoire of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman and also featuring the music of Tommy Dorsey, Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson, and vocal songs from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
As part of your event, why not book Down for the Count's spectacular vintage dancers who will teach a short dance lesson and perform choreographed routines to the band's live music - check out the Vintage Swing Collective page for more information.
Available throughout the UK and internationally, this spectacular group is an expanded version of our incredibly popular All-Stars line-up - as seen at Ronnie Scotts, Pizza Express Jazz Club, The London Jazz Festival, and countless theatre shows and festival performances throughout the UK.
Our Big Band is perfect for those events where you really want to go to town, and the stunning show is sure to get you out of your seat and onto the dancefloor.
Our big band features graduates of top London conservatoires, performing in traditional big band format (5 saxophones, 4 trombones, 4 trumpets, 4 rhythm) plus anything from 1 to 4 vocalists.
The Down for the Count Big Band perform a huge range of authentic 1930s and 1940s big band repertoire. Get in touch if you favourite songs are not listed below - as we may still be able to perform them for you.
Count Basie
All Of Me
April in Paris
Jumpin’ At The Woodside
One O’Clock Jump
Shiny Stockings
Well Alright, Okay, You Win
Duke Ellington
Concerto for Cootie
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Never No Lament)
Jeep’s Blues
Take The ‘A’ Train
In a Mellow Tone
Jeep’s Blues
Ko-Ko
Perdido
Rockin’ in Rhythm
Take the ‘A’ Train
Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
Benny Goodman
After You’ve Gone
All the Cats Join In
Bei Mir Bist du Schoen
Bugle Call Rag
Don’t Be That Way
Jersey Bounce
Let’s Dance
Sing, Sing, Sing
Why Don’t You Do Right
Woody Herman
Woodchopper’s Ball
Chick Webb
The Dipsy Doodle (The Tranky Doo)
Stompin’ at the Savoy
Harry James
I’m Beginning to See the Light
I’ve Heard That Song Before
Trumpet Blues and Cantabile
You Made Me Love You
Glenn Miller
American Patrol
Chattanooga Choo-Choo (vocal harmony song)
Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree
In the Mood
Moonlight Serenade
Pennsylvania 6-5000
Perfidia (vocal harmony song)
Erskine Hawkins
Tuxedo Junction
Artie Shaw
Begin the Beguine
Tommy Dorsey
On the Sunny Side of the Street (vocal harmony song)
Jimmie Lunceford
T’Aint What You Do (The Shim Sham)
Fletcher Henderson
King Porter Stomp
Unknown
The Big Apple
Down for the Count have two other fantastic vintage ensembles - and can also perform alongside vintage dancers.
Our regular band - Down for the Count All-Stars is an 11-piece mini big band who bring the sounds of The Swing Era back to life with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship. Regularly found at the UK's top jazz clubs and theatres.
Our largest vintage ensemble - Down for the Count plus strings. This ensemble has a beautiful sound which evokes memories of the Capitol Studios recordings of the 1950s.
Our troupe of professional vintage dancers is the perfect accompaniment to our Big Band - performing spectacular dance routines to our vintage music and leading your guests in a fun interactive lesson before the band takes to the stage.