Results for "Swing"

Harry James and His Orchestra

Active since: 1939

Harry James' orchestra, formed in 1939, was one of the prominent big bands of the swing era. Initially a section leader in Benny Goodman's band, James quickly established his own ensemble, which became known for its vibrant brass section and energetic performances. The band featured notable soloists, including vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Helen Forrest and instrumentalists such as saxophonist Corky Corcoran, and achieved commercial success with hits like "You Made Me Love You" and "I Had the Craziest Dream." Known for its solid blend of jazz and popular music, Harry James' orchestra remained a significant presence in the swing and big band scene throughout the 1940s and beyond, adapting to changing musical tastes while maintaining its distinctive style.

Geraldo

Born: August 10, 1904

Geraldo (born Gerald Walcan Bright, 1904 – 1974) was a prominent British bandleader, composer, and arranger, known for his contributions to the swing and dance band era. Leading his own orchestra in the 1930s and 1940s, Geraldo became famous for his smooth, melodic arrangements and his ability to blend jazz influences with popular music of the time. He performed extensively on BBC radio and had numerous recordings that showcased his band's versatility. With a career that spanned several decades, Geraldo was a significant figure in the British dance band scene, influencing the development of big band jazz in the United Kingdom.

Ambrose

Born: September 11, 1896

Bert Ambrose (known professionally as Ambrose) was an English bandleader, violinist, and composer, known for his influential role in the jazz and swing music scenes. Born in London, he moved to the United States in the early 1920s, where he became a prominent figure in both the jazz and dance band worlds. Ambrose led his own orchestra in the 1930s, performing at major venues and recording extensively. His skillful violin playing and knack for arranging contributed to his success, and he worked with a variety of well-known artists during his career. Ambrose's orchestra was recognized for its polished, sophisticated sound, which bridged the gap between dance music and the growing swing era.

Jean-Philippe Larpin a.k.a. JP Larpin

Born: March 22, 1960

Born in a musical family (father drummer and mother singer) he fell into jazz at a very early age. Later on he turned to drums as there was always a set at home. Played in Switzerland a lot in clubs, festivals (Montreux, Cully) and onstage with local guys or passing by foreign musicians. Among others : Curtis Fuller, Walter Davis Jr, François Lindemann, Bob Mover, Dee Daniels, Liz McComb, Freddie Hubbard, Roy Hargrove, Bruce Forman, Thierry Lang, Big Band de Lausanne, Montreux Big Band a.o. Relocated to beautiful Vancouver, BC in Canada since 2017, he keeps playing in various bands and with local musicians (Cory Weeds, Sharon Minemoto, Steve Maddock, a.o.).

John Roth

Born: October, 1957

Jonny Gee

Born: October, 1974

Musical polymath, London bassist Jonny Gee was appointed as a professor at the Guildhall (coaching impro & small groups) has worked across many styles of jazz and other music, performing with artists including:

Ravi Shankar, Ronnie Scott, Dame Cleo Laine, Lee Konitz, King Salsa, Roberto Pla, Antonio Forcione, Dame Emma Kirkby, Sir Roger Norrington, Sir Derek Jacobi (who toured reading poetry with Utter:Jazz), Ruthie Culver, Zum, La Mariposa Tango, Kosmos, The Sixteen, Voces8, The London Handel Orchestra, The Chinese Silk String Quartet, The Hep Chaps, Ruby & The Dukes, The Ikos, Dom Pipkin's Allstar New Orleans Trio, DJ Mista Trick ("Do what you do"/YOU Album), Aaron Liddard, England (Carmina Burana prog rock), Brian May & Roger Daltrey & Ben Elton (for Roger Taylor private shows), Gracie & The G-Spots.

Dennis Melillo

Tomas Martinez

Born: October 16, 1999

Tomás Martínez is a jazz saxophonist, composer, and educator from Buenos Aires, Argentina, known for his vibrant bebop style, unique personal voice and expressive sound. A leading voice of his generation in South America, he is now forging an exciting path on the international jazz scene.

He has studied with legendary figures such as Charles McPherson, Bob Mover, George Coleman, and Grant Stewart, and received formal training at both the Conservatorio Superior de Música Manuel de Falla and the Tribeca Jazz Institute in New York.

In 2025, Martínez recorded his debut album as a leader, In Good Company, at the iconic Rudy Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey, alongside Michael Weiss, David Wong, and Kenny Washington. Produced by Chris Byars—who described him as “the finest alto saxophonist of his generation”—the album features original compositions and arrangements deeply rooted in the jazz tradition.

June Cavlan

Born: September 5, 2001

June Cavlan is an award winning Jazz vocalist based in New York City. June’s unique and charismatic interpretations of works from the Great American Songbook are inspired by legendary vocalists like Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Horn, and Barbra Streisand. June’s debut effort, “A Portrait of June”, not only showcases her immense vocal prowess but also her skills in arranging, composing, and vocal improvisation. June can be seen performing in and around New York City and also in her hometown of Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. With various projects in the works, her rising vocal jazz trio The Sunhouse Singers (Joie Bianco and Kate Kortum), and her blossoming relationship with her label, La Reserve, June Cavlan breathes new life into this timeless and beloved art form.

John Bauers