Swing Central

One of the UK's most popular vintage bands - a mini big band who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship.

Price from £4,705 +VAT + travel

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Event Photos

  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London
  • Event Swing Central Jazz and Swing Big Band London

Set List / Repertoire

Please note that many of these songs are performed by our standard 10-piece band and above only - please contact your agent for more information.

***Big Band Swing (by band leader)***

Count Basie
All Of Me
April in Paris
Jumpin’ At The Woodside
One O’Clock Jump
Shiny Stockings
Well Alright, Okay, You Win
Ya Gotta Try

Duke Ellington
Black Beauty
Concerto for Cootie
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
(Never No Lament)
Jeep’s Blues
Take The ‘A’ Train
In a Mellow Tone
Jack the Bear
Jeep’s Blues
Perdido
Rockin’ in Rhythm
Sophisticated Lady
Take the ‘A’ Train
Things Ain’t What They Used to Be
Tulip or Turnip

Chick Webb
The Dipsy Doodle (The Tranky Doo)
Lindy Hopper’s Delight
Stompin’ at the Savoy

Benny Goodman
After You’ve Gone
All the Cats Join In
Bei Mir Bist du Schoen
Bugle Call Rag
Don’t Be That Way
Flying Home
Jersey Bounce
Let’s Dance
Sing, Sing, Sing
Sugar Foot Stomp
Whispering
Why Don’t You Do Right

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)
Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree
In the Mood
Jeep Jockey Jump
Moonlight Serenade
Pennsylvania 6-5000
Perfidia (Vocal harmony)
Unknown
The Big Apple

Jimmie Lunceford
T’Aint What You Do (The Shim Sham)

Woody Herman
Woodchopper’s Ball

Various
Everybody Loves My Baby
Happy Feet

Fletcher Henderson
King Porter Stomp

Stan Kenton
Intermission Riff

Erskine Hawkins
Tuxedo Junction

Artie Shaw
Begin the Beguine

Tommy Dorsey
On the Sunny Side of the Street
(Vocal harmony)
Opus One


***Louis Armstrong and New Orleans Second Lines***

Bourbon Street Parade
Do You Know What it Means to Miss
New Orleans
Exactly Like You
The Frim Fram Sauce
Jeepers Creepers
La Vie en Rose
Little Liza Jane
Minor Swing
Swing That Music
Ice Cream
Tiger Rag
When You’re Smiling
Honeysuckle Rose
A Kiss to Build a Dream On
Azalea

***Big Band Swing (by singer)***

Ella & Louis duets
Dream a Little Dream of Me
I Get a Kick out of You
They Can’t Take That Away From Me
Stars Fell on Alabama

Ella Fitzgerald
Blue Skies
Cheek to Cheek
Lover, Come Back To Me
Georgia on my Mind
Flying Home
Manhattan
Mas Que Nada
Mr. Paganini
Puttin’ on the Ritz
Sugarfoot Rag
The One I Love Belongs to
Somebody Else

LaVern Baker
On Revival Day

Peggy Lee
All the Cats Join In
Why Don’t You Do Right

Frank Sinatra
Bye Bye Baby (Vocal harmony)
Come Fly With Me
Fly Me to the Moon
For Once in My Life
Have you met Miss Jones
I Get a Kick Out of You
I’ve Got You Under My Skin
I’ve Got The World on a String
The Lady is a Tramp
Luck Be a Lady
Me & My Shadow
New York, New York
That’s Life
The Way You Look Tonight
They Can’t Take That Away From Me
Witchcraft

Nat 'King' Cole
Almost Like Being in Love
Exactly Like You
The Frim Fram Sauce
I’m an Errand Boy for Rhythm (trio)
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and
Write Myself a Letter
It’s Only a Paper Moon
Let There Be Love
Let’s Face the Music and Dance
L-O-V-E
Straighten Up and Fly Right
Orange Coloured Sky
Route 66
Sweet Lorraine (trio)
Unforgettable
Walkin’ my Baby Back Home
You’re the Cream In My Coffee (trio)

Dean Martin
Ain’t That a Kick in the Head
Sway
That's Amore

Nina Simone
Feeling Good
I Put a Spell On You
My Baby Just Cares For Me

Bobby Darin
Beyond The Sea
Mack the Knife

Doris Day
Que Sera Sera

***Christmas Repertoire***

Let It Snow (Frank Sinatra)
Have Yourself A Merry Christmas (Ella Fitzgerald)
All I Want for Christmas Is You (Maria Carey)
Santa Baby (Eartha Kitt)
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town (Frank Sinatra)
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire) (Nat 'King' Cole)
The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year (Andy Williams)
Rocking Around The Christmas Tree
Frosty The Snowman
White Christmas
Jingle Bells

Full Biography

Highlights

  • A sensational mini big band consisting of highly experienced professional swing and soul musicians
  • A huge repertoire featuring classic songs from the 1920s, 30s and 40s.
  • Exceptional female vocals accompanied by an outstanding rhythm section and horn section
  • Also available with vintage dancers who perform choreographed routines to the live music and lead a fun, inclusive vintage dance lesson
  • Constantly in demand performing at jazz clubs and vintage festivals in London and throughout the UK and internationally

Biography
Swing Central are a mini big band who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship.

Since bursting onto the scene at Twinwood Festival in 2013, Swing Central have quickly earned themselves a reputation as one of the hardest swinging bands in the UK. They are constantly in demand, and they have sold out shows at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, Hideaway Streatham, Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho, Le Caveau de la Huchette (Paris) and the opening night of The London Jazz Festival.

The band recreate classic tunes from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Glenn Miller. But this is no mere nostalgia trip – Swing Central perform each song in their own unmistakeable style, breathing new life into the best vintage music.

Combine that with the band’s top class instrumental solos, sublime vocal performances, and irresistible humour and joie de vivre, and you get a show that will leave you feeling uplifted and wanting more.

Additional vocals
Add male vocals to the standard 10-piece line-up for an even more authentic Rat Pack sound, crooning to the songs of Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin and many more!  Add extra female vocals for a stunning extra dimension to the band's performance, including extra vocal harmonies and duets!

Parties with Swing Central
Swing Central are a fantastic party band. They start the night with swing and vintage music to appeal to audiences of all ages – they can then either stick to that repertoire, or move on to more modern soul, Motown and pop music for the end of the evening.

The band can also provide vintage dancers who operate as “taxi dancers”, helping to get your guests up and dancing and enjoying the party.

Background Music
Musicians from Swing Central can perform in smaller ensembles providing background music earlier in the day. Options available include:

  • Vocal-led roaming pop band(3- to 7-piece) performing walkabout music 
  • Instrumental jazz bands, from a cocktail pianist to a jazz quartet
  • Vocal-led soul bands, performing relaxed pop and soul music.

Speak to your agent for more information and for a quote for great package deals.

Vintage Dancers (see booking options for more details)
Add extra class to your event with vintage dancers: The Strutters are a troupe of dancers who can teach your guests simple 1920s and 1940s dance moves before the band start performing.  Once the band start, the dancers will get your guests up and dancing Charleston, Lindy hop and jive right from the first song - adding an amazing touch to your party.  You can even book several pairs of dancers for a troupe performance with the live band.

Your Event
Your event is special to the band and every event is treated separately, ensuring that your requirements are met. From choosing the perfect line-up to suit your event to smaller details such as the dress code, special requests and performance times, [The Get Downs] aim to be completely flexible to make sure that you get the perfect entertainment.

Previous Experience
Swing Central regularly perform at corporate events and private functions all over the country, at venues in London including Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Wembley Stadium, The ExCel Centre, Lord's Cricket Ground, Pinewood Studios, The Berkeley Hotel, The Imagination Gallery, and Inns of Court, and at other venues throughout the UK and abroad - including Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons (Oxfordshire) The ICC (Birmingham) and La Caveau de la Huchette (Paris).

The band have run their own swing dance events, have accompanied swing and jive dance lessons, and have performed at music festivals in London and further afield. They are the perfect accompaniment to swing and jive events, vintage festivals and any other occasion where you're looking for an authentic swing band.

Previous clients include T-Mobile, BNP Paribas, E-ON UK, JP Morgan, Oxford University Press and The Royal Air Force.

Tech Spec
Swing Central are self-contained for events with up to 200 guests, although if you have a production company at your event we suggest sending a feed from our mixing desk to the front-of-house PA. Please get in touch if you’d like to see the band’s tech specs.

Deluxe Sound & Lighting Package
– highly recommended for events with more than 250 guests, essential for events with more than 500 guests.

Swing Central now offers upgraded technical packages to cater for larger events:

- 6kW PA system suitable for audiences from 250 to 1000+
- Sound engineer
- Additional lighting and effects
- DJ package also available on request.

Please ask your agent for more information and prices.

Please note: Swing Central use two different lead vocalists (please see videos). Requests for a specific vocalist can be made but may not always be fulfilled due to availability.

Please note: Due to availability or illness, deputy musicians of very a high professional standard may sometimes be used.

Lineup

Default lineup: 10 members

Standard Line up: 10-piece band - female vocals, piano, bass, drums, guitar, three saxes (alto, tenor, bari), two trumpets

Alternative Line ups (see booking options):

7-piece band - female vocals, piano, bass, drums, guitar, tenor sax, trumpet
11-piece - plus second vocalist (male or female)
19-piece - two vocalists, piano, bass, drums, guitar, five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets

(Please note that these are suggested lineups - Swing Central can perform with any number of musicians from a 7- to a 19-piece band. Feel free to get in touch to discuss the perfect band for your event!)

Vintage dancers – 2 to 12 vintage dancers can be added to the line-up when booking the 10-piece band and above.

Performance Times

2 x 60 minutes sets


From £4705 + travel

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3 x 40 minutes sets


From £4705 + travel

Get a quote

Booking Options

Customise your booking with the following options...

Requirements

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Prices

Price from £4,705 + VAT + travel from London

Based on 10 members performing 2 x 60 minute sets

  • South East From £4,705 + VAT
  • East Midlands From £4,837 + VAT
  • East of England From £4,837 + VAT
  • North West From £4,837 + VAT
  • West Midlands From £4,837 + VAT
  • South West From £5,166 + VAT
  • Yorkshire and the Humber From £5,166 + VAT
  • North East From £6,154 + VAT
  • Scotland From £6,813 + VAT
  • Wales From £6,813 + VAT
  • Northern Ireland From £10,107 + VAT
  • Republic of Ireland From £10,107 + VAT

Most Alive Network artists travel UK wide and internationally. Get a guide price instantly by clicking the 'get quote' button and entering your event date and location. Make an enquiry and we will liase directly with Swing Central to confirm price, availability, and the provide you with a confirmed quote.

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7 Customer Reviews

Performance quality: 5 stars
Sound quality: 5 stars
Behaviour: 5 stars
Communication: 5 stars
Audience engagement: 5 stars
Value for money: 5 stars
  • Excellent 7
  • Good
  • OK
  • Unsatisfactory
  • Poor

Wow! What a great group.

5 stars - Swing Central are Highly Recommended
booked Swing Central for their Wedding at Fawsley Hall Hotel in Northamptonshire

“Wow! What a great group. Timing was perfect, vocals were amazing and the playing was out of this world. Worth every single penny! If you can afford that little bit extra, book these guys over any other brass bands. Everyone at our wedding commented on how fantastic they were including the photographer, the wedding coordinator and the bar staff!!! Massive thanks to the guys. Hope to see them again!”


Swing Central were absolutely fantastic, in fact I have to say they are probably...

5 stars - Swing Central are Highly Recommended
booked Swing Central for their event

“Swing Central were absolutely fantastic, in fact I have to say they are probably the best live swing band I have seen. They were very accomodating and good fun before and after the evening. ”


Just wanted to drop you a quick line from Mauritius to say thank you to you and ...

5 stars - Swing Central are Highly Recommended
booked Swing Central for their event

“Just wanted to drop you a quick line from Mauritius to say thank you to you and the entire band for being so fantastic on Saturday. Everybody was raving about you and we loved our first dance bring performed live. Made a special day that much more magic. Thanks again - and I'll be sure to recommend you in the future Cheers Dave and Lisa ”


I am finally writing to say a massive ‘THANK YOU!!’ for, well basically, being A...

5 stars - Swing Central are Highly Recommended
booked Swing Central for their event

“I am finally writing to say a massive ‘THANK YOU!!’ for, well basically, being AMAZING at The Killer Heels Charity Ball! I've had so many compliments about your fantastic music. You all played every song with such energy and enthusiasm, the dance floor was jam-packed the whole time!! Your enthusiasm was infectious and your music suited guests of all ages, thank you also for being so flexible when the auction ran over - I simply could not have picked a better band!! I have been telling everybody about you guys - I'm contemplating organising another ball just so I have a reason to book you again! The whole event went without a hitch and was a roaring success. Eynsham Hall were brilliant and ensured that the event ran smoothly and that the delicious food was served promptly despite my interruptions with 2 raffles and the auction! Both the raffles and the auction were a huge success and raised £2,475 between them! Ticket sales along with some other donations has meant that the total ra...”


Please pass on my thanks to Swing Central for such a fabulous perfomance on Satu...

5 stars - Swing Central are Highly Recommended
booked Swing Central for their event

“Please pass on my thanks to Swing Central for such a fabulous perfomance on Saturday night. Everyone really enjoyed listening to you and you certainly got everyone up and dancing! So many of our guests told us how great they thought you were. I also wanted to say how much we appreciated your flexibility and professionalism - breaking early to give people a bit more time to 'warm up' was exactly the right thing to do. You really made the night very special. I will certainly recommend you to people in the future! Best wishes ”

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