THE ULTIMATE JAZZ, SWING & JIVE BAND!
THE BEST LOVED HITS OF THE 1930′S 1940′S & UP TO THE VERY EARLY 1950′S
COMBINED OPERATIONS – New for 2012, An amazing addition to the world of the 1940′s Tributes and Jazz, Jive & Swing Bands. Why pay a fortune for an ochestra when here are a band with a big sound AND A SMALLER PRICE! Combined Operations are a band that cover not just Glenn Miller style songs, but also “sex up” the UK hits of the era. Making songs like It’s a long way to Tipperary & other well known hits a little more “jazzed up” & danceable! Trying totally new ways to perform the best loved songs of the era;
The Very best in Jazz, Jive, Music Hall & Swing.. Many of the hits actually written from the 1800′s through to the 40′s! We perform Frank Sinatra, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Louis Prima, The Andrews Sisters, and many many more!
The band is not just a band, it’s a small band with a big band sound! You would not tell them apart from an orchestra! They are a show, with a “through the war” time line story. The Groups aim is to be visual and entertaining in all aspects of performance, and interaction is our ultimate aim! The evenings performance is not just about the music, but the overall experience. Setting Combined Operations apart from the others. With over 150 years and counting of experience between them, they really do provide the ultimate show. We are sure that this is one show that will make you sit up, take notice & take note of the name!
The Line Up:
Drums – Mr Paul De Gallier
At age 11, He began his musical career in the school brass band. On leaving school, he began working in professional theatre in the west end of London, this experience included contracts at the National and Barbican theatres, which in turn, led to work within the regional repertory sector, that included seasons with the likes of Birmingham Rep, the RSC, Nottingham and Liverpool Playhouse theatres, as well as tours and variety productions. Paul also played percussion on a number of Theatre in Education tours, as well as work in TV and radio studios. He has played in various bands and worked as a session musician in several major studios, which has led to working with some fine singer/songwriters, entertainers and fellow musicians. These include a Snow Patrol collaborator and musicians from the tour of The Wall by Roger Waters. Paul has also had the pleasure of working with a founder member of The Rolling Stones, the bass player from the cult band Gong and an ex bass player from Bill Bruford’s Earthworks band. He has played on several albums by published songwriters, and in some cases, been co producer. As well as his theatre experience, as detailed earlier, his live experience has included major venues and festivals, playing to several thousand, down to intimate clubs and venues. I have also worked in holiday camps over the summer season, and on the function and tribute circuit.
Double Bass – Mr Markus Feldman
He is somewhat a man of mystery, but has magnificent magical fingers, often reduced to blisters with the sheer determination & enthusiasm of his performances. A wealth of experience with in the 1950′s scene, and now with a smooth “cross over” to the Jazz 40′s sound. He has worked with countless well known bands and also teaches.
Vocalist – Mr Pete Wayre
Versatile, Powerful, a musical prowess second to non. Totally fresh and different from anyone on the circuit. This 1940′s Jazz style is the ultimate to show Pete’s abilities & smooth sounding voice. He has been an award winning vocalist for the past 12 years & performed all over the world. More information can be seen on the biography on the home page & throughout the website.
Keyboards & Fill - Mr Matthew Bason B.A. (Ed) Hons – QTS
Matthew Bason has established himself as one of the U.K.’s most popular musical entertainers. He began his performing career in 1994 as an accompanist to local singers and cabaret acts and over the years his talents have diversified to solo concert work on organ and piano through to those of a jazz pianist, piano-vocalist, musical director, choral director, accompanist, arranger and teacher. His work has seen him travel to all 4 corners of the U.K. and abroad. He is a frequent visitor to the U.S.A. where he plays organ and piano concerts to rave reviews. His U.S.A. venue credits include The Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix (AZ), Pasadena City College, Pasadena (CA) and Fair Oaks Hall, near Sacremento (CA).
Amongst freelance work he has also held residencies at Sopwell House, St. Albans (1997 to 2004) Ashorne Hall, Warwick (200 to 2003) and Kettering Park Spa (2005 to 2009). As a youngster, he won the ATOS Young Organist of the Year in 1999 and then the Dean Herrick Award for musical achievments in 2000 (also awarded by ATOS)
His work as an organist has seen him elected to Honorary Vice-President of The Scottish Theatre Organ Preservation Society and President of the Nene Valley Organ club.
Trombone – Mr Andy Brewer
Saxaphone – Mr Kenton Noel
COMING SOON..VIDEO FOOTAGE & PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS